Welcome to root-cause analysis! Last time we built argument maps to strengthen our reasoning. Now we're diving deeper - finding the real problems hiding beneath surface issues.

Engagement Message

Ever fix something only to have the same problem return later?

Most problems we see are just symptoms. Your printer keeps jamming, your team misses deadlines, or customers complain about service delays.

But the real cause often lies several layers deeper, like roots beneath a tree.

Engagement Message

Think of a recurring problem you face - what keeps coming back?

The "5 Whys" technique helps you dig down to root causes. You simply ask "why" repeatedly until you reach the real issue.

It's called "5 Whys" because five iterations usually get you there, though you might need more or fewer.

Engagement Message

How many times do you typically ask "why" before giving up?

Here's a simple example: "The car won't start" (symptom).

Why? "The battery is dead." Why? "The alternator isn't charging it." Why? "The alternator belt is broken."

Engagement Message

In the car example, what's the actionable root cause?

You stop asking "why" when you reach something actionable that you can actually fix or control.

"The alternator belt is broken" - we can replace it. Going deeper ("Why did the belt break?") might not help solve the immediate problem.

Engagement Message

What signals tell you you've found the real root cause?

Let's try a workplace example: "Our project is behind schedule."

Why? "We're waiting for approval from legal." Why? "They need more information." Why? "We didn't include compliance details in our initial request."

Engagement Message

Now we have something concrete to fix! What would you do next?

Type

Fill In The Blanks

Markdown With Blanks

Let's practice the 5 Whys technique! Fill in the missing questions to complete this root-cause analysis.

Problem: The team keeps missing Monday morning meetings.

Why? People arrive late to work on Mondays.
[[blank:Why late?]] They have trouble with Monday morning traffic.
[[blank:Why traffic?]] The highway construction creates delays.

Suggested Answers

• Why late?
• Why traffic?
• Fix this?
• Do what?