The 5 Whys Problem Solving Process

The 5 Whys process was originally developed by Taiichi Ohno of Toyota.

Ohno encouraged his team to use the 5 why's to dig into each problem that arose until they found the root cause.

By asking why five times, the nature of the problem as well as it’s solution becomes clear.

Problem: One of the monuments in Washington D.C. is deteriorating.

Why number 1 – Why is the monument deteriorating?

Because harsh chemicals are frequently used to clean the monument.

Why number 2 – Why are harsh chemicals needed?

To clean off the large number of bird droppings on the monument.

Why number 3 – Why are there a large number of bird droppings on the monument?

Because the large population of spiders in and around the monument are a food source to the local birds

Why number 4 – Why is there a large population of spiders in and around the monument?

Because vast swarms of insects, on which the spiders feed, are drawn to the monument at dusk.

Why number 5 – Why are swarms of insects drawn to the monument at dusk?

Because the lighting of the monument in the evening attracts the local insects.

Solution: Change how the monument is illuminated in the evening to prevent attraction of swarming insects.

For more information on questioning techniques, download the summary of our book Learning Expert from the link below this video.

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