Understanding the 5-Whys Problem-Solving Technique
The 5-Whys is a powerful brainstorming tool used to identify the root causes of problems. By repeatedly asking "why" up to five times, teams can delve deep into issues and uncover underlying causes that may not be immediately obvious. This technique helps move beyond superficial answers and address issues at their core, ultimately leading to more effective solutions.
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5 Whys March 2019 1 CONFIDENTIAL/JELD-W EN INTERNAL ONLY
5 Whys Explanation The 5-Whys is a simple brainstorming tool that can help teams identify the root cause(s) of a problem. STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS 1. State the problem you have identified as a strategic problem to work on. 2. Start asking why related to the problem. Like an inquisitive toddler, keep asking why in response to each suggested cause. 3. Ask as many whys as you need in order to get insight at a level that can be addressed (asking five times is typical). You will know you have reached your final why because it does not make logical sense to ask why again. Once a general problem has been recognized, ask why questions to drill down to the root causes. Asking the 5- Whys allows teams to move beyond obvious answers and reflect on less obvious explanations or causes. It is said that only by asking "Why?" five times successively, can you delve into a problem deeply enough to understand the ultimate root cause. KEEP ASKING UNTIL YOU CAN ASK NO MORE 2 CONFIDENTIAL/JELD-W EN INTERNAL ONLY
BASIC 5 WHYS EXAMPLE Problem statement An operator fell and was injured during the first shift start up. Why? There was an oil spill on the floor in the machining department. Why? A Seal in machine 3 deteriorated and began cracking and leaked oil. Why? The seal material was not robust to the application. Why? Lower cost seals purchased from new supplier. Why? Seal material not specified in service manuals. 3 CONFIDENTIAL/JELD-W EN INTERNAL ONLY
5 Whys Template Last answer must be something you can control Final answer cannot be because of a person 4 CONFIDENTIAL/JELD-W EN INTERNAL ONLY
5 Whys Template 5 CONFIDENTIAL/JELD-W EN INTERNAL ONLY
