The document describes the 5-Whys system for problem solving. It involves writing down the specific problem, then repeatedly asking "why" that problem occurs and writing down the answers. This is done until the true root cause is agreed upon by the team, which may take more or fewer than five whys. Then a countermeasure or solution is created to address the root cause. An example of using 5-Whys to determine the root cause of a vehicle not starting is provided.

1. The 5-Whys System
How to Get to the Root of a Problem and Fix It
Created by Donna K Woolam, The Life Inspired www.DonnaWoolam.com

2. Discover the Root Causes
Write down the specific problem. Writing the issue helps you
formalize the problem and describe it completely. It also helps a
team focus on the same problem.
Image source: Open Clip Art
Created by Donna K Woolam, The Life Inspired www.DonnaWoolam.com

3. Why?
Ask Why the problem happens and write the answer down
below the problem
Image source: Open Clip Art
Created by Donna K Woolam, The Life Inspired www.DonnaWoolam.com

4. Why? Again…
If the answer you just provided doesn’t identify the root
cause of the problem that you wrote down in Step 1, ask
Why again and write that answer down.
Image source: Open Clip Art
Created by Donna K Woolam, The Life Inspired www.DonnaWoolam.com

5. Why? Again…
Loop back to step 3 until the team is in agreement that the
problem’s root cause is identified. Again, this may take
fewer or more times than five Whys
Image source: Open Clip Art
Created by Donna K Woolam, The Life Inspired www.DonnaWoolam.com

6. Continue to ask WHY until the ROOT ISSUE is discovered.
Once discovered, it is time to create a COUNTERMEASURE or SOLUTION to the
problem.
Example:
The vehicle will not start. (the problem)
Why? - The battery is dead. (first why)
Why? - The alternator is not functioning. (second why)
Why? - The alternator belt has broken. (third why)
Why? - The alternator belt was well beyond its useful service life and not
replaced. (fourth why)
Why? - The vehicle was not maintained according to the recommended service
schedule. (fifth why, a root cause)
COUNTERMEASURE: Create and maintain a schedule of regular maintenance for
the vehicle.
Created by Donna K Woolam, The Life Inspired www.DonnaWoolam.com

7. What is the
situation?
Ask Why The
Problem
Happens
Ask Why The 2nd
Problem
Happens
Ask Why the 3rd
Problem
Happens
Continue to Ask
WHY until the
Root Issue is
Discovered
Create a
Countermeasure
or Solution
Created by Donna K Woolam, The Life Inspired www.DonnaWoolam.com