Chapter 5: The 5 Whys Technique | Mastering Problem Solving Toolkit
Rules for 5 Whys: Each answer becomes the next question. Base answers on evidence, not opinions. Keep asking until you reach something you can permanently control or change. Stop at 5 — or earlier if you find the root cause.
1
WHY does the problem occur?
2
WHY does that happen?
3
WHY does that happen?
4
WHY does that happen?
5
WHY does that happen? (if needed)
Verification: If we fix this, will the problem stop completely? ☐ Yes ☐ No — keep asking Why