5 Whys Watch-And-Apply

Overview Lesson

First, watch what 5 Whys is and when it fits

Video 1: Clarifying the '5 Whys' Problem-Solving Method

Embedded lesson: Clarifying the '5 Whys' Problem-Solving Method

This overview explains the problem-solving funnel, direct cause, causal chain, root cause, and why stopping at first-level causes creates recurring problems.

Choose A Past Issue

Choose a simple issue you already solved

Think of something that happened in one place or one step of the work, was fixed at the time, and could happen again. Do not choose a big company-wide problem.

Good practice issue: a customer received the wrong item once. Good practice issue: a report was late because a handoff was missed. Good practice issue: a learner could not complete one course step. Save for later: culture, communication, sales, or all quality problems.

What happened, what did you do to fix it, and why could it matter if it happened again?

I chose one specific issue, not a broad category of problems. This issue was fixed at the time, but I do not know whether the deeper cause was addressed.

You do not need a perfect statement. The point is to see whether your original fix addressed a symptom or the condition that allowed it.

Try Your 5 Whys

Use the second lesson, then follow the chain as far as you can

Video 2: 5 Why Tips and Tricks from practical experience

Embedded lesson: 5 Why Tips and Tricks from practical experience

How to use this videoWatch normally, then pause whenever a point helps you examine the issue you chose. Start a first-pass chain below while the example is fresh. Use as many or as few whys as you need.

Your first-pass 5 Whys chain

Start with the issue you chose. Ask why it happened, then ask why again from each answer. You can use fewer or more than five. Let the exercise show you where you are uncertain.

What did you do the first time to get the issue moving again? Looking at your chain now, what could you verify, change, or put in place to make a similar issue less likely to happen again?

How did this first pass feel? What is one next action you could take to prevent recurrence?

I would like help thinking this through with a coach.

Select where you are to see the recommended next step.

Your saved video reflections will appear hereYour notes stay in this browser. Nothing is submitted from this session.

Reflect And Decide

Use what you learned from the first pass

The point is not to leave with a perfect chain. It is to see the difference between resolving the issue once and addressing the conditions that let it recur.

Continue with the problem-solving self-check

Take the five-minute Team Problem-Solving Skills Assessment to see where more practice, support, or a team approach may help.

Take the problem-solving self-check

Need help applying it with a team?

After the self-check, request your visual summary and use it to identify whether your next need is more practice, team training, or a coaching conversation.

Using this with a group?

If the exercise surfaced a team-wide need, bring the example to the assessment and identify the skills the group needs to practice together.