The 5 whys presentation

THE 5 WHYSFINDING THE ROOT CAUSE

(OF THE PROBLEM)

surefoundationsllc.com

Asking WHY 5 Times – provides a focus on finding the true root cause of a problem versus reacting to a symptom and implementing a band aid like fix.

THE 5 WHYSsurefoundationsllc.com

Repeating WHY 5 times…By asking WHY 5 times and answering it each time, we can get

to the real cause of the problem, which is often hidden behind more obvious symptoms.

Taiichi Ohno

The Father of the Toyota Production System


The number 5 is not mandated, but rather a suggested investigational level to uncover the root cause. Sometimes the probing may be beyond 5 WHYS, which is okay.


When it is less then asking WHY 5x, then we succumb to jumping to a quick resolution and most likely falter in uncovering the real root cause of the problem.


Focus on Problems being Opportunities:

Information (data collected) is to be used for

Improvement, Not Judgment


THE 5 WHYS


TRAINING EXAMPLE

The following example reflects the sequence of steps in applying the 5 WHYS (a lean methodology tool) to uncover the root cause of the problem.


TRAINING EXAMPLE

For every WHY question you have a BECAUSE statement.


TRAINING EXAMPLE

The best way to obtain someone’s interest in a subject is to find topics or examples that connect to them.


TRAINING EXAMPLE

Create a fun example first, to achieve concept knowledge, then identify your real world problem.


TRAINING EXAMPLE

The following is a “real” experience that may have happened to you.

Names and faces have been changed to protect the innocent.


WHY #1

WHY is the chicken taking so long to grill?


CAUSE #1

BECAUSE the flame went out during cooking.


WHY #2

WHY did the flame go out?


CAUSE #2

BECAUSE the propane tank must be empty.


WHY #3

WHY is the propane tank empty?


CAUSE #3

BECAUSE the propane was used up at the last barbeque and there is no gage indicating how much fuel is left.


WHY #4

WHY is there no fuel gage on the tank?


CAUSE #4

BECAUSE the tank does not come with a gage.


WHY #5

WHY doesn’t the tank come with a fuel gage?


CAUSE #5

BECAUSE the industry standard allows for no gage to be acceptable. Gages are a customer accessory.


WHY #6

WHY don’t you install an accessory gage on the tank gas line?


CAUSE #6

BECAUSE usually a spare tank is available.


WHY #7 Information is used for Improvement, Not Judgment


WHY #7

WHY did I know it was your fault for not having a spare tank and now the chicken is not cooked on time and our guests are waiting?

Information is used for Improvement, Not Judgment


CAUSE #7

BECAUSE you are always right dear.


YOUR TURN

Disregarding WHY #7, you should be able to see the logical sequence of events in determining the root cause.


YOUR TURN

Using this simple lean tool is a easy way to engage everyone in your organization to get to the root cause of your problems.


YOUR TURN

You will be surprised with the improvements you make. Laughter is optional, success is not.


YOUR TURN

What are you waiting for?

Go to where your problem exists and apply the 5 WHYS to the condition.


CONTACT [email protected]


The 5 whys presentation

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