The 5 Whys of Problem-Solving Method

To learn about the 5 Whys method, see the article at:

Problems that simply won't go away, no matter what you try, are often symptoms of deeper issues.

Applying a "quick fix" to such problems may be convenient, but it rarely addresses those deeper issues.

The 5 Whys technique is a simple but powerful tool for getting to the root of a problem so you can solve it properly.

Find out more about the 5 Whys problem-solving technique by watching the video.

Discover more career skills and resources by joining the Mind Tools Club at:

Follow us:

[TheRiaan]

Short and sweet explanation with example. Thank you.

[MaxMinXX]

I love this! Thanks for this quick explanation.

[VishalKataria]

We could've gone deeper using the remaining 2 Whys. We could approach the team which built the software and ask them why this aspect is missing (what's their reason behind it), and then follow it up with another Why. We might get insights which can address the problem at the root.

[tuyentube]

Very useful !! effective in solving problems

[nassimtafouzelt]

What is the diffrence between five why, Root cause and causal tree analysis ?

[iwatchyoutube]

good why the fuck I need this for LO ???

[mylespenman]

I think this method is very limiting, and restrictive. I'm being taught this in LO, and I must use this method in part of my current project. I really hate how we need to use the exact method, when in reality the basic concept of asking questions about the problem is sufficient. In reality, the word "why" is very restricting, because "how" and "what" are often more suited. All this method is making me do is change the sentence structure of my questions, making them more clunky and stupid. Not a problem with the method, just with the way I'm being forced to apply it.

[vatsaldattani]

what if somebody doesn't have answers to those why's