The Power of Asking Questions: Starting with “Why”
Continuuing with my intent to release my frameworks and tools, today I am sharing one of my favorite and most powerful tools, the “5 WHY Coaching Guide”.
In the realm of strategy and problem-solving, there’s one question that holds unparalleled power: “Why?” This simple yet profound question has been the cornerstone of my work as an engineer and strategist, helping me unravel complex issues and uncover root causes.
As an engineer, the “5 Why” framework has been my go-to weapon in the battle against recurring problems. In fact, I’ve been affectionately dubbed the “Why Whisperer” and, more humorously, the “Why Dragon” by my colleagues. (They say it’s because I breathe fire into problem-solving!)
Here’s a quick example of the 5 Why framework in action:
Problem: The project is behind schedule.
1. Why? Because tasks are taking longer than expected.
2. Why? Because some team members are not meeting their deadlines.
3. Why? Because they are unclear about their roles and responsibilities.
4. Why? Because there was no initial clarity or documentation on role assignments.
5. Why? Because the project manager did not provide detailed instructions or a clear project plan.
Root Cause: Lack of clear project management and role definition.
Action Plan: Implement detailed project plans and role definitions at the start of each project.
Starting with “Why” has always made life easier. It cuts through the noise and gets to the heart of the matter, allowing us to develop effective solutions and prevent future issues. This framework has been foundational to all my strategy work, guiding me through complex situations and leading to impactful results.
Remember, every great solution starts with a question. So, don’t be afraid to ask “Why?” five times—or more! You’ll be amazed at the insights you uncover.
Feel free to share your experiences with the 5 Why framework or any other problem-solving techniques that have worked for you. Let’s keep the conversation going and continue to learn from each other!
#Strategy #ProblemSolving #5Why #ContinuousImprovement #Leadership #Engineering #AskWhy
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