📩 Uncovering the Root Cause: A Guide to the Five Whys Technique

The Five Whys technique is a problem-solving tool that was originally developed by Sakichi Toyoda and used within the Toyota Motor Corporation. It has since been widely used within Kaizen, Lean Manufacturing, and Six Sigma methodologies.

By repeatedly asking “why” five times, the root cause of a problem can be discovered, and corrective action can be taken. The technique begins by writing a description of the problem and then asking “why” to discover the cause of the problem. If the answer provided does not identify the root cause, the process is repeated until the team agrees that the root cause has been identified.

The Five Whys approach acts as a natural speed regulator and can give teams agility, allowing them to find their optimal pace. It also provides the foundation that a company needs to respond quickly to problems as they appear, without over-investing or over-engineering.

However, it is important to start small and specific to avoid an overwhelming set of problems. The technique can highlight unpleasant facts about an organization and call for investments in prevention that come at the expense of time and money that could be invested in new products, projects, or features. It is necessary to have the leadership to sponsor and support the process in all stages.

Learn About the Five Whys Technique

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Thaisa Fernandes

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