5 Whys / Nine Whys
5 Whys and Nine Whys are two related but distinct questioning techniques that use repeated "why" questions to move groups past surface-level thinking. You might use 5 Whys to diagnose a recurring issue or Nine Whys to align a team around shared purpose before a planning session.
✓ Created by former KPMG & McKinsey consultants
What You'll Achieve with the 5 Whys / Nine Whys Workshop
Real outcomes that transform your team
Participants identify and address root causes of recurring problems.
Teams articulate a clear, shared purpose that guides decision-making.
Improved collaborative problem-solving through structured questioning.
When to Use the 5 Whys / Nine Whys Workshop
Perfect for these situations and team challenges
When a team keeps fixing symptoms of a recurring issue without addressing the root cause.
To facilitate a structured debrief after a project failure or process breakdown.
How the 5 Whys / Nine Whys Workshop Works
A step-by-step breakdown of the workshop process
1Setup
Prepare the room and materials for either the 5 Whys or Nine Whys technique. Ensure participants understand the problem statement or focus question.
2Step 1: Frame the Exercise
Introduce the core principles and ground rules of asking repeated 'why' questions to get deeper insights without blaming individuals.
3Step 2: Run the 5 Whys (Root Cause Version)
Guide the group through iterative questioning on a specific problem statement, capturing answers to identify the root cause systematically.
4Step 3: Run the Nine Whys (Purpose Version)
Have participants pair up to explore the importance of their work by asking 'why is that important to you?' to uncover deeper motivations.
Key Topics Covered in the 5 Whys / Nine Whys Workshop
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