# 5 WHYs
This method was invented by Saichi Toyoda, founder of the car manufacturer Toyota.
# Subject
Process/Facilitation
# Definition
The solution to a problem is not always obvious and sometimes the real cause is deeply hidden. This method is also called "Root Cause Analysis". One tries to get to the root of the problem step by step using "why" questions, because one assumes that several causal relationships are intertwined.
# Motivation
With this technique, assumptions or the skipping of intermediate steps are recognized and the usual handling of problems is interrupted.
# Benefit
One advantage of this method is that it promotes teamwork and forces the individual to keep an eye on the entire process or to deal with it in the first place. This sharpens the individual's view of relationships. Usually, you want to solve a problem as quickly as possible - without further ado, but also without questioning. Writing down the individual steps in the "5 Whys" method requires clear questions and answers.
# Procedure
The facilitator empowers the team/the audience to describe the problem in as much detail as possible. The more facts you collect, the faster you will get to the bottom of the cause. What difficulty is it? When did it first arise and how often? Who discovered it and what were the consequences? Avoid making assumptions at this stage - you can only draw wrong conclusions. Gradually ask the "why" questions to get a feeling for the causal relationship. This works for many company areas, in production but also in everyday life.
# Facilitator
Agile coach/agile master
# Participants
The entire agile team
# Tools
Whiteboard/flipchart