Applying the 5 Whys method for total quality management excellence a deeper problem understanding has been a common practice for several decades, especially within the confines of the Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. This problem-solving technique employs repetitive questioning of a question to drill down to the root cause of an issue.
To properly apply the 5 Whys method, it is crucial to observe and ask follow-up questions in the most independent perspective possible. Each next question also needs to explore more under the layer of the issue observed, usually assuming that the final question's answer represents the root cause of the observed problem.
The process of 5 Whys question-asking usually begins with a major complaint presented by a team member, a customer, or some outside event. The method views this primary complaint "{The 1st Why|The Initial Inquiry|The Primary Question.
