An IdeaScale Whiteboard facilitator guide for 5 Whys Root Cause Analysis Brainstorm
This IdeaScale Whiteboard will serve as our collaborative space to conduct a 5 Whys root cause analysis. We'll use it to trace the problem back to its fundamental source visually.
Brainstorming Objectives:
- To identify the root cause of a specific problem or issue.
- To delve beyond surface-level symptoms and uncover underlying factors.
- To foster a deeper understanding of the problem and potential solutions.
Timing: 60 minutes
Brainstorming Instructions - 40 minutes
Introduction (10 minutes)
- Welcome participants and thank them for their time.
- Briefly introduce the concept of the 5 Whys methodology and its benefits.
- Explain the importance of identifying root causes for effective problem-solving.
- Explain how to create a 5 why flow on the whiteboard, and how to use digital sticky notes to capture each "why".
Brainstorming Instructions (40 minutes)
- Activity 1: Define the Problem (5 minutes)
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- Clearly state the problem or issue to be analyzed.
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- Ensure everyone has a shared understanding of the problem statement.
- Capture the problem statement on the whiteboard.
- Activity 2: The 5 Whys Process (30 minutes)
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- Ask the first "why" question related to the problem.
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- Record the answer on a digital sticky note and place it on the board.
- For each subsequent answer, ask "why" again, building upon the previous response.
- Continue this process for approximately five levels, or until the root cause is identified.
- Facilitate a discussion to ensure each "why" answer is logical and supported by evidence.
- Use the whiteboard to create a visual flow of the "why" answers.
- Activity 3: Root Cause Confirmation (5 minutes)
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- Once the 5 whys are complete, review the found root cause, and ask if the group agrees that it is in fact the root cause.
- If the group does not agree, facilitate further discussion, and begin the 5 whys again, starting from the problem statement.
Adjourn (10 minutes)
- Summarize the identified root cause and its implications.
- Discuss potential solutions or actions to address the root cause.
- Capture any action items or next steps on the board.
- Thank participants for their contributions.
Tips for Facilitators
- Encourage open and honest communication.
- Keep the focus on the problem, not on assigning blame.
- Ensure each "why" question is relevant and leads to a logical answer.
- Use the digital whiteboard to visually represent the 5 Whys process.
- Ensure that all participants understand that the goal of the 5 whys is to find the root cause, and not to find someone to blame for the problem.