5 Whys
See past the first explanation. Simple but not trivial. Works only with honest questions, not blame-hunting. Rule of thumb: three to seven whys, depending on depth.
Tip: Ask "Why?" at least 5 times to reach the real root cause.
Root Cause Identified
You have completed the chain. Here is the full analysis:
3-Sets Perspective
Is the cause about missing or wrong tools/systems? → Tool-Set
Is the cause about missing skills/knowledge? → Skill-Set
Is the cause about assumptions, beliefs, mental models? → Mind-Set
Continue Your Diagnosis
A3 Problem Solving
Brings problem, current state, target state, cause, action, measurement, and follow-up onto one A3 page. With built-in 3sets diagnosis. Forces clarity.
Try this toolTRIZ / Anti-Goal
Instead of "How do we improve?" it asks "What would we do to fail guaranteed?" The inversion breaks defensive conversations. Laughter is allowed — laughter produces truth.
Try this tool