The ‘Five Why’s’ Analysis is a problem-solving technique that involves repeatedly asking “why?” to uncover the root cause of a problem.

By peeling away the layers of an issue, it helps identify the real cause and uncovers glitches in delivery or organisational processes. This analysis technique focuses on finding counter-measures to prevent the problem from recurring, rather than providing temporary solutions.

How to do it…

Step 1: What do you think the problem is?
Step 2: Ask someone else, or yourself, why?
Why is that happening?
Why is that?
Why is that?
Why is that?
Step 3: Can you redefine the problem? What do you think the problem is?