Describe the 'five whys' technique.

The 'five whys' technique is a powerful problem-solving tool that helps organizations identify the root cause of an issue. It involves asking the question "why" multiple times—typically five, but it can vary depending on the complexity of the problem—until the fundamental cause is revealed. This method encourages deep thinking and exploration beyond surface-level symptoms, allowing teams to get to the heart of a problem rather than simply addressing its manifestations.

For instance, if a machine stops working, asking "why" it stopped can lead to a series of answers that ultimately point to a fundamental issue, such as lack of maintenance or poor training of operators. The effectiveness of this technique lies in its simplicity and its ability to foster discussion and collaboration among team members, helping them reach a consensus on the underlying cause.

This method differs from planning projects, evaluating market conditions, or conducting performance reviews, as it is specifically aimed at identifying issues within processes or systems to enhance quality and organizational excellence.