Asking why is a powerful thing to do.
Ask why five times and you've got one of the great problem solving techniques.

This page explains how to use why 5 times as one of the most powerful problem solving strategies, and problem solving exercises, in elementary problem solving.

In addition to helping you and others with self improvement, and problem solving in general, companies such as Toyota use this approach extensively, and with outstanding results, for problem solving in the workplace.

WHY x 5 = one of the great problem solving exercises

As the name suggests, this one of the problem solving techniques is very simple and involves asking the question 5 times (at least).

An illustration will help:

Suppose a machine stops functioning:

1. WHY did the machine stop?

There was an overload and the fuse blew.

Ok, replace the fuse and we've fixed it.

Yes, but we haven't SOLVED it, have we?

The machine may run because we've replaced the fuse, but whatever caused the fuse to blow is still there and is likely to do it again (i.e. we have a recurring problem).

2. So, ask again about the overload?

The bearing was not sufficiently lubricated

Ok, I'm getting the idea now, it wasn't an electrical problem, it was a lubrication issue.

Get the oil can out and lubricate the shaft.

Now we've solved it, haven't we?

Hmm, try a third one:

3. Ask again about it not being lubricated sufficiently?

The lubrication pump was not pumping properly

Ok, so it wasn't electrical or lubrication, it was a pump problem, right?

So, let's replace the pump. We must have solved it now.

4. Ask again about it not pumping properly?

The shaft of the pump was worn and rattling

Ok, so we didn't need to replace the whole pump, just some new bearings, but we're on the right track now, right?

5. Ask again about the shaft being worn out?

There was no strainer attached and metal scrap got in

Ok, ok, I've got the message - everything before now would have been a "fix" and the problem would have re-occurred.

To solve it, so it doesn't come back, we must make sure that the strainer is properly attached.

But, couldn't we on with a sixth or seven one?

Absolutely, as many as it takes to get beyond "fixing" the problem and to unearth the root causes.

Then we can generate sound solutions that will ensure the same problem cannot come back - i.e. we will have solved it.

Stopping at one or two would have led to a "FIX" and the problem would have re-occurred.

Don't underestimate this, it is one of the most powerful stages of problem solving.

And whilst the example above relates to a machine, the process of asking why 5 times can be applied in any situation.

This technique will facilitate innovation and is often used in combination with:

* BRAINSTORMING

* CAUSE and EFFECT ANALYSIS, and

* CRITICAL EXAMINATION

Try it, it's easy (but can yield some surprising results).

The question why times five equals one very powerful
problem solving technique.
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