When someone wants advice about a problem, I find that “the problem” is often not the root problem. For example:
My student Pat won’t sit still during silent reading time.
Well, I could give you a huge list of ideas from installing a seatbelt to giving Pat a better book because the question asker hasn’t properly identified their root problem.
Refining The Problem
We need to refine the problem, which is the purpose of the Five Whys, a thinking tool from Japanese inventor Sakichi Toyoda (whose son founded Toyota).
When confronted with a problem, you simply ask “Why?” Then you keep asking “Why?”
Each iteration should bring you closer to the root cause of the initial problem (five is not a magic number, just a guide to push beyond the superficial problem).
Examples
The problem is: Pat isn’t sitting still during silent reading.
- Pat won’t sit still during reading time.
- Why? Pat doesn’t like the book.
- Why? They’re bored by it.
- Why? They are an advanced reader and need something more interesting.
Ok! Now we can actually do something: get Pat a better book!
- Pat won’t sit still during reading time.
- Why? Pat says their stomach hurts.
- Why? Pat is hungry.
- Why? Pat doesn’t eat breakfast at home.
- Why? Pat’s parents have to leave early and don’t get breakfast prepared.
Again, we’ve reached a root cause that we can actually do something about: let’s get Pat some darn food in the morning.
Try It With Your Problem
So, the next time you’re stuck with a problem, try asking yourself “why” until get to the bedrock problem. This works especially well if you get someone else to ask you “why?” and help you work through the process.
Note: this is a painful and annoying process. I try it when someone emails me for classroom advice. Usually they abandon the conversation before we get to the root problem! People may like quick solutions, but The Five Whys will help you find real solutions.