Several years ago, my husband shared with me an interesting technique that automotive manufacturers use to analyze the root cause of problems in their manufacturing processes.
The Toyota Motor Corporation originally used this technique—called the 5 Whys—as a problem-solving activity to determine the underlying causes of any glitches in their systems or products.
The nature of a problem, as well as the solution, can become clear by asking the question why five times. The number five is just a guideline. It may take only three questions to reach a conclusion, or it might take six or more; but this questioning method prompts deeper thinking by repeatedly asking why until you get to the bottom of an issue.
I love the simplicity of The 5 Whys…
…and the moment my husband explained it to me, a light bulb came on in my head: What a great way to get people thinking about the cause-and-effect of food!
Although The 5 Whys can be used as a tool to evaluate all types of problems, I believe it can be especially effective when dealing with health issues. Not only can it help identify the root cause of a medical problem, it can save the hassle, time, and money that might have otherwise been spent pursuing a perceived but ineffective solution.
Click HERE to read an example of this technique, and why it's so effective!
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What would it take to encourage people to keep asking why? Courage, I guess. But if there was a PSA about it (LOL) I bet it would take hold with some folks.