The 5 Whys technique helps you uncover the root cause of a problem by “why?” repeatedly, typically five times, until you reach the underlying issue.
It’s a simple but powerful tool for moving beyond surface-level symptoms and solving problems at their core.
It prompts teams to ask:
- What’s really causing this issue?
- What lies beneath the first obvious answer?
- How can we prevent this from happening again?
By digging deeper, teams can avoid quick fixes and design more thoughtful, long-lasting solutions.
Best Practices
Focus on one problem. Be clear about the issue you’re trying to understand.
Stay curious, not accusatory. Use “why” to explore systems, not blame people.
Write down each step. Track the chain of reasoning to avoid looping or jumping ahead.
Know when to stop. Five is a guideline—sometimes three is enough, or you may need more.
Check your root cause. Ask: Would solving this prevent the problem from recurring?
Basic Steps
1. Define the problem clearly. Describe what happened. Be specific and factual.
2. Ask “why” it happened. Note the first cause that comes to mind.
3. Keep going. Take the answer and ask “why” again. Repeat around five times or until you reach a root cause.
4. Identify the root cause. Look for the systemic or process-level issue that allowed the problem to occur
5. Discuss next steps. Ask: What can we change in the system, process, or policy to prevent this?
Benefits
- Moves beyond surface-level symptoms
- Clarifies complex or recurring issues
- Promotes a problem-solving mindset
- Supports system-level improvements
- Simple, fast, and accessible to any team
Our Recommended Resources
The 5 Whys centers on curiosity, not blame. It aligns with values of learning, reflection, and continuous improvement, encouraging teams to slow down, look beneath the surface, and build more resilient systems by addressing real root causes.