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description: Use when drilling down to the root cause of a problem
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# 5 Whys

A simple root-cause analysis technique that asks "why" iteratively (typically five times) to peel back symptoms and reach the fundamental cause of a problem.

## Steps

1. **State the problem** — Write a clear, specific description of the problem you are investigating.
2. **Ask "Why does this happen?"** — Answer the first why with a direct, factual cause.
3. **Repeat "Why?"** — Take the answer from the previous step and ask why again. Continue for at least five rounds.
4. **Verify the chain** — Read the causal chain in reverse ("therefore...") to confirm each link is logical.
5. **Identify the root cause and countermeasure** — The final answer should point to a systemic cause you can act on. Define a corrective action.

## Output Format

A numbered chain: Problem statement, followed by Why 1 through Why 5 (each with answer), the identified root cause, and a proposed countermeasure or action item.