The "Five Whys" is a simple yet powerful tool for root cause analysis, and when combined with the concept of a three-legged method, it can provide a robust and comprehensive approach to problem-solving. This article explores a Three Legged Five Whys example, guiding you through this structured process.
The Three Legged Five Whys method, an adaptation of the original five whys, introduces two additional legs: 'Sixes and Sevens' and 'Eights and Nines.' By delving deeper, this approach can help uncover more detailed and hidden causes, providing a more holistic understanding of the problem.
The Three Legged Five Whys Process
The Three Legged Five Whys process follows a clear structure, starting with the first leg, the 'Five Whys,' and culminating in the third leg, the 'Eights and Nines.'
Leg One: 'Five Whys'
The first leg follows the classic 'Five Whys' method. By asking 'why'_questionly, you drill down to the root cause of a problem. Here's an example:
- Why won't the car start? (The answer might be "The battery is dead.")
- Why is the battery dead? (Possible answer: "The alternator isn't functioning.")
- Why isn't the alternator functioning? (Potential answer: "There's a blown fuse.")
- Why is the fuse blown? (It might be due to "An electrical overload.")
- Why was there an electrical overload? (The root cause could be "A short circuit in the wiring.")
The fifth 'why' question has led us to the root cause of the problem.
Leg Two: 'Sixes and Sevens'
The second leg, the 'Sixes and Sevens,' explores the effects and side effects of the root cause. It questions how the cause affects other aspects of the system. Continuing our example:
Although we've found the short circuit to be the root cause, we should explore the effects. Why does this cause issues beyond the car not starting?
- Why does the short circuit cause other problems? (It might cause "Damage to other electrical components.")
- Why is that an issue? (The damage could lead to "The car breaking down completely.")
By asking these questions, we've revealed the broader impact of the problem.
The final leg, the 'Eights and Nines,' provides a birds-eye view of the problem. It helps understand the "WHY" behind the WHY.
'Eights: Prioritization'
During this stage, we prioritize the causes we've uncovered, asking:
Why should we fix one cause over another? (The answer might be, "Because fixing the short circuit will prevent further damage and is less expensive than replacing multiple components.")
'Nines: Prevention '
The last stage focuses on prevention. It asks:
Why should we prevent this problem in the future? (It could be, "To avoid the high cost of repairs and downtime.")
By answering this, we've identified steps to prevent similar issues in the future.
This comprehensive Three Legged Five Whys approach helps uncover the full spectrum of problems, from root causes to impacts and prevention. Embrace this method to enhance your problem-solving skills and ensure a well-rounded, strategic approach. Happy root cause hunting!