self-reflection:
- How often do you try and solve problems as quickly as possible?
- How could you practice stepping back and reflecting on the problem first?
- What impact might this have
- What might stop you from doing this?
- What would make it worth your while?
- State the main problem
- Ask “Why is this happening?”
- Write down your answer
- Then ask “Why is this happening?”
- Repeat this 3 more times
- What appears to be the root cause?
- What are five different ways you could solve this root cause?
- Which idea do you want to move forward with?
Bring the group together and identify a problem you want to solve.
Write this problem statement on a flipchart or whiteboard.
- Ask the first “Why is this happening?”
- Brainstorm reasons together and then pick the most dominant reason
- Then ask “Why is this happening?” about the dominant reason
- Repeat this exercise until you have asked 5 Whys?
- What root cause have you identified?
- Break into sub-groups and brainstorm ideas for fixing this root cause
- Bring your ideas together and choose the best five ideas
Watch this short video clip with Eric Ries (3.13 mins) as he explains the “5 Whys?”
What new thoughts does this spark for you?