18F
18F-Five Whys
The "Five Whys" exercise identifies the real causes of problems, not just the surface symptoms. By repeatedly asking "Why?" (at least five times), teams dig deeper. They uncover the systemic issues that cause problems to repeat. This exercise teaches disciplined questioning. It helps teams resist accepting the first answer they hear. This 45-minute session works best for focused problems with cause-and-effect relationships. Teams will distinguish between immediate causes and root causes. They'll create action plans to address underlying issues, not just apply quick fixes. This technique is powerful for process failures, recurring bugs, user complaints, and organizational challenges. Especially when quick solutions have failed before.
Duration
45 mins
Group Size
3-6
Category
18F
Difficulty
Easy
Identify the root cause(s) of a problem.
- Root causes identified.
- Deep problem understanding.
- Underlying issues addressed.
This exercise works best when the problem is well-defined. Avoid letting the team jump to solutions too quickly. Push them to really explore the "whys." For government, there are no PRA implications as no information is collected from the public.
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