Explore our Root Cause Analysis 5 Whys Template for effective problem-solving. This workflow guides your team in identifying causes, crafting action plans, and improving feedback systems.
1
Identify the problem
2
Approval: Team's Assessment
3
Ask the first 'Why?'
4
Identify root cause #1
5
Approval: Root Cause #1
6
Ask the second 'Why?'
7
Identify root cause #2
8
Approval: Root Cause #2
9
Ask the third 'Why?'
10
Identify root cause #3
11
Approval: Root Cause #3
12
Ask the fourth 'Why?'
13
Identify root cause #4
14
Approval: Root Cause #4
15
Ask the fifth 'Why?'
16
Identify root cause #5
17
Approval: Root Cause #5
18
Formulate Action Plan
19
Implement action plan
20
Collect Feedback
Identify the problem
In this task, you will identify the specific problem that needs to be addressed. Consider the impact of the problem on the overall process and the desired results. What challenges might arise and how can they be resolved? What resources or tools are required to identify the problem?
Approval: Team's Assessment
Will be submitted for approval:
Identify the problem
Will be submitted
Ask the first 'Why?'
Why is the problem occurring? In this task, you will ask the first 'Why?' to dig deeper into the root cause of the problem. This will help uncover the underlying issues that contribute to the problem.
Identify root cause #1
In this task, you will identify the first root cause of the problem. Based on the answer to the first 'Why?', determine the specific factor or reason that is causing the problem.
Approval: Root Cause #1
Will be submitted for approval:
Ask the first 'Why?'
Will be submitted
Ask the second 'Why?'
Why is the first root cause occurring? In this task, you will ask the second 'Why?' to further analyze and understand the underlying factors that contribute to the first root cause.
Identify root cause #2
In this task, you will identify the second root cause of the problem. Based on the answer to the second 'Why?', determine another specific factor or reason that is causing the problem.
Approval: Root Cause #2
Will be submitted for approval:
Ask the second 'Why?'
Will be submitted
Ask the third 'Why?'
Why is the second root cause occurring? In this task, you will ask the third 'Why?' to delve even deeper into the underlying issues that contribute to the second root cause. This will help identify the core problem.
Identify root cause #3
In this task, you will identify the third root cause of the problem. Based on the answer to the third 'Why?', determine another specific factor or reason that is causing the problem.
Approval: Root Cause #3
Will be submitted for approval:
Ask the third 'Why?'
Will be submitted
Ask the fourth 'Why?'
Why is the third root cause occurring? In this task, you will ask the fourth 'Why?' to further analyze and understand the underlying factors that contribute to the third root cause.
Identify root cause #4
In this task, you will identify the fourth root cause of the problem. Based on the answer to the fourth 'Why?', determine another specific factor or reason that is causing the problem.
Approval: Root Cause #4
Will be submitted for approval:
Ask the fourth 'Why?'
Will be submitted
Ask the fifth 'Why?'
Why is the fourth root cause occurring? In this task, you will ask the fifth 'Why?' to explore the deepest underlying issues that contribute to the fourth root cause. This will help identify the ultimate root cause of the problem.
Identify root cause #5
In this task, you will identify the fifth and final root cause of the problem. Based on the answer to the fifth 'Why?', determine the final specific factor or reason that is causing the problem. This will allow for a comprehensive understanding of the root causes.
Approval: Root Cause #5
Will be submitted for approval:
Ask the fifth 'Why?'
Will be submitted
Formulate Action Plan
In this task, you will formulate an action plan to address the identified root causes. Consider the insights gained from the 5 Whys analysis and develop a plan that targets each root cause effectively.
Implement action plan
In this task, you will implement the action plan formulated in the previous task. Execute the plan step by step, taking necessary actions to address each root cause effectively. Monitor progress and adjust the plan if required.
1
Step 1
2
Step 2
3
Step 3
4
Step 4
5
Step 5
Collect Feedback
In this task, you will collect feedback from stakeholders involved in the process. Gather insights on the effectiveness of the implemented action plan and identify any remaining issues or improvements that need to be addressed.
