Using 5 Why’s to find Root Cause
Using 5 Why’s to find Root Cause
Created by Tom Curtis 2011Blog: www.onimproving.blogspot.comPresentations: www.slideshare.net/onimproving Email: [email protected]: @onimproving
IntroductionUsing 5 why’s can change your life. this
is not an overstatement or an empty promise. 5 Why’s is what it sounds like--
asking why 5 times. the goal of doing this is to find root cause so that we can apply corrective action. Root cause or
causes are the primary causes of an issue. When we look at an issue we often
see symptoms of what is happening. Acting to fix these can waste our time
and effort or make the issue worse. We must find root cause and correct.
5 Why’s: a templateIssue:
Why?
Why?
Why?
Why?
Why?
Point Of Cause:
CorrectiveAction(s):
Root Cause(S):
Select the issue (what do we want to solve)
Establish Point of Cause (Where the Issue is happening--Think time & place)
Use 5 Why’s to establish Root Cause(s)
Create Corrective action(s) for Root Cause
Review Corrective Actions for effectiveness
Ensure maintenance of improved state
5 Why’s: The Process
5 Why’s: an exampleIssue: Steve misses birthdays
Why? he forgets
Why? he does not have a way to remember
Why? his daughter reminded
Why? she is at school
Why? college started
Point Of Cause: Always, Family
CorrectiveAction(S):
Addreminders in phone
Root Cause(S): Reminder
Gone
5 whyis easier to understand
and Follow than to
DO.
We must practice.
Give one a Try.
5 Why’s: a templateIssue:
Why?
Why?
Why?
Why?
Why?
Point Of Cause:
CorrectiveAction(s):
Root Cause(S):
How did it go?What went well? What did not?
What will you do differently the next time?
a few tips in doing5 Whys
Find Point of Cause (it narrows the field)
Practice again and again
Review what worked & what did not & Adjust
Allow for multiple Root Causes
Recognize it may take less than 5 why’s
Do not be put off by the simplicity of the concept
places to practiceunderstanding another’s actions
Defective product
Why we are angry?
Overcoming a mistake
Helping a friend
understanding our behavior
failed strategy
delayed project
why something is lost
Lateness
opportunities to improve
poor scores