How to Use the 5 Whys to Discover Your True Needs
Thursday, February 18th, 2010
There are many great business processes that the rest of the world doesn’t know about. One of my favorites is Toyota’s “5 Whys.”
The idea is to ask yourself “why” 5 times in order to get to the root of the problem.
For example, a couple of years ago I didn’t want to go to a meeting.
I was having trouble figuring out why, so I used the “5 Whys” method.
1. Why don’t I want to go to this meeting? – Because it’s going to be worthless.
2. Why: Because everyone always talks about the same problems.
3. Why: Because I want to lead the meeting to be more productive, but I’m scared.
4. Why: Because I don’t want to get laughed at.
5. Why: Because my speaking confidence isn’t as strong as it should be.
I realized that I needed to work on my speaking skills.
I found a Toastmasters club that week and started the following week. I’ve practiced my speaking abilities for the past 3 years and now I’m confident in my talents.
What do you struggle with at work?
Ask yourself the “5 Whys.” Anyone brave enough to do it in the comment section?
* Better act soon. My teleseminar, “How to Kick Butt at Work and Be Happy Too” is closing on Friday at 9pm EST. If you want some useful tips on how to do amazing work that doesn’t stress you out then click here to find out more details.
* One of my favorite blog posts in the past few days has been, Business advice from a 94-year old barber. It’s a simple post, highlighting a wise man.
If you enjoyed this post then you will probably like this one too:
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Karl,
The “5 Why’s” is really a great process for getting to the root of a problem.
And a plug for Toastmasters – that’s great that you are in this, Karl! While I’m not right now, because of other commitments, I did invest several years in this organization – and it was hugely beneficial in both public speaking and leadership skills.
Hi Lance, The faster we can get to the root problem the better. As for toastmasters…I’m so grateful that this public speaking organization is out there helping people get over the fear of speaking in public.
Are the 5 Whys responsible for all the informative and entertaining videos you’ve given us? If so I have a lot to thank them for!
Hi Chris, Why yes they are. In almost every way possible. Without the “5 whys” I never would have questioned the direction of my career, taking it in to the work happiness arena.
Good analytical process for discovering what’s at the core of our attitudes and motivations (or lack thereof!). By digging deeper than the first two of three answers to “why,” I’ve found I can get to the heart of the matter, and that’s where I focus my energy. Just like you did with Toastmasters — awesome!
Hi Megan, We have to take a little time to step back and analyze our direction. The five whys are a great way to do this. Toastmasters was a huge help.
Hi Karl
What a great process!
I have heard of a similar idea posed once by Neale Donald Walsch when it comes to any “problem” in life. He says to keep asking the idea of the “why” or “and what would happen then” till we get to the root of what the issue really is about.
Hi Evita, Never heard of Neale, but I’ll check him out this week.
Hi Karl!
I’ve done the 5 whys (sometimes more!) in my journal writing – you are so right – it’s gets to the heart of the matter, usually our silly fears – pretty darn quickly! I was in Toastmasters for years and it is the BEST way to improve and gain confidence in your ability to communicate – LOVE IT!
Hi Suzen, Fears can feel so real and painful, but most of the time they are silly if we take the chance to laugh at them. And when we can laugh at them we really create a chance for growth.
Hi Karl,
I’ve never heard of the 5 whys and or did I hear about the line Evita speaks of…now that I have I can begin with..
Why don’t I feel like blogging today?
Because I don’t know what to write about
Why don’t I know what to write about today?
Because I’ve not been very creative lately.
Why haven’t I been very creative lately?
Because I’ve not taking the time to do anything creative.
Why haven’t I taken the time?
Because I haven’t given myself permission.
Why? Because I need to set up a space in my home just for art and creative projects!
There’s my answer!
Hi Tess, Thank you so much for actually using the 5 whys to break down a problem. It’s a pretty cool method. I can’t wait to see what your new space looks like.
Hi Karl,
That is a great tool. Like Suzen, I discovered a similar approach some years ago. It works wonders and it is awesome that you got to the heart of the matter and did something about it.
Hi Nadia, It’s all about getting to the heart of the matter because once we do, we can actually solve the problem.
Hi Karl,
This is a good tool for getting ourselves to ask more questions–not just of ourselves and colleagues but perhaps of our institutions and societies’ customs and unexamined beliefs. At some point, those unexamined beliefs and processes/practices can stop being useful and become a hindrance, instead.
Young children naturally keep asking “why” because they are curious and really want to learn. So what do we do after we run out of answers for them? We shut them down and discourage them from asking questions rather than taking the time to sit down with them and discover the answers. For some reason, questions that start with “why” often put adults on the defensive (maybe sometimes understandably so, depending on the tone used) when it could just as easily be interpreted as an invitation to explore a question or puzzle in more detail.
Just out of curiosity,what happened to the “hard, fun & beautiful” update this week?
Have a great weekend, everyone.
Hi Sue, I’m glad you noticed that I haven’t done the hard, fun and beautiful. I’ve been trying to be more focused on giving you more value. I feel like running through my issues every week seems a bit redundant. I think I’ll try to do a monthly HF&B to talk about my issues, but not put too much emphasis on me. I want the emphasis to be on the readers issues. They are the reason I’m here. What did you think about the HF&B. Did it help you?
Karl- I like this a lot. I have used different techniques bu this is very simple and effective! Also, PLUG for Toastmasters—really helped me.(hmmm…I think I will start going again, now that you mention it!)
Thanks Karl!
Katie
The five “whys” are a powerful way to tease out root causes.
One of my mentors used it regularly and he got me in the habit of following the “why” chain until I got to an interesting and actionable insight.