Asking, "Why" Five Times

Do you remember when you were younger ... how many people did you drive 'crazy' with that one simple question, "Why?"  But when it comes to making improvements in business, asking "Why" is a very good question to ask. In fact, you may have heard of "Asking Why Five Times" which I understand has it's roots with Toyota (speaking of driving)! 

Here is something on Toyota's philosophy of asking, "Why" Five Times.

We come across problems in all sorts of situations in life, but according to Taiichi Ohno, pioneer of the Toyota Production System in the 1950s, "Having no problems is the biggest problem of all."  Ohno saw a problem not as a negative, but in fact as "a kaizen* opportunity in disguise."  Whenever one cropped up, he used to encourage his staff to explore problems first-hand until their root causes were found. "Observe the production floor without preconceptions," he would advise.  "Ask ‘why’ five times about every matter."  Source:  http://www.toyota-global.com/company/toyota_traditions/quality/mar_apr_2006.html

* Kaizen : In Japanese, the definition of Kaizen is "improvement" and particularly, "Continuous Improvement"-- slow, incremental but constant.

Here is the example that Toyota uses to describe the application of "Asking Why 5 times":

1. 
   

   "Why did the robot stop?"

   The circuit has overloaded, causing a fuse to blow.



2. 
   

   "Why is the circuit overloaded?"

   There was insufficient lubrication on the bearings, so they locked up.



3. 
   

   "Why was there insufficient lubrication on the bearings?"

   The oil pump on the robot is not circulating sufficient oil.



4. 
   

   "Why is the pump not circulating sufficient oil?"

   The pump intake is clogged with metal shavings.



5. 
   

   "Why is the intake clogged with metal shavings?"

   Because there is no filter on the pump.

How could asking why 5 times help you get to the root cause of a problem that is keeping you from success?