Five Whys: A Lean Startup Technique Rooted in the Toyota Production System

The "Five Whys" technique, a core principle of the Toyota Production System, is a powerful problem-solving tool that can be applied to all kinds of defects in startups. It encourages deep root cause analysis by asking "why" five times to uncover the underlying issues that lead to a problem. By understanding the root cause, startups can implement targeted solutions and prevent similar issues from recurring.

Root Cause Analysis: The Power of "Why"

When a problem arises, we often focus on immediate solutions without delving into the fundamental reasons behind it. The Five Whys approach shifts this focus by urging us to ask "why" repeatedly until we reach the root cause. This approach is particularly effective for identifying human errors and process flaws that contribute to technical problems.

• Identify the problem: Define the specific defect or issue that needs to be addressed.
• Ask "Why" five times: Each time you answer "why," formulate another "why" question to delve deeper into the cause.
• Uncover the root cause: By the fifth "why," you should have arrived at the fundamental source of the problem.

Example: Website Outage and the Five Whys

Let's illustrate the Five Whys technique with a real-world example. Imagine your company's website is experiencing an outage. You've brought the site back online, but now it's time for a post-mortem to learn from the experience.

Building a Startup Immune System with Corrective Actions

The Five Whys technique isn't just about finding the root cause; it's about taking corrective actions at every level of the analysis. These actions build a "startup immune system" that protects against future problems.

• Bring the site back up: This is the immediate action to address the immediate problem.
• Remove the bad code: The code causing the infinite loop needs to be removed or fixed.
• Help the developer understand the issue: The developer who wrote the code needs to be educated on why it didn't work.
• Train the developer in TDD: Implement a training program to ensure all new engineers are proficient in TDD.
• Modify the new engineer orientation: Add TDD to the new engineer onboarding process to prevent future problems.

Five Whys: Beyond Technical Problems

The Five Whys can be applied to various defects, not just technical issues. It's a powerful tool for uncovering hidden human and process problems that contribute to a startup's challenges. Each problem becomes a learning opportunity to refine processes, improve communication, and build a more resilient startup.

By continuously applying the Five Whys and taking proportionate corrective actions, you'll create a robust, self-correcting system that makes your startup faster, more efficient, and less susceptible to disruptions.

Five Whys and the Toyota Production System

The Five Whys technique is an integral part of the Toyota Production System (TPS), a renowned manufacturing philosophy focused on eliminating waste and maximizing efficiency. Toyota's success can be attributed, in part, to its dedication to continuous improvement through root cause analysis and problem solving.

The TPS emphasizes using a "pull" system where production is triggered by demand, minimizing waste and optimizing resources. The Five Whys aligns with this philosophy by helping identify and eliminate root causes of problems, thereby preventing future waste and inefficiencies.

Key Takeaways

Here are some key takeaways from the Five Whys approach:

• Focus on root cause analysis: Dive deep to identify the fundamental source of the problem.
• Use the Five Whys for all defects: Don't limit its use to technical issues – apply it to any problem, big or small.
• Take corrective action at every level: Address the root cause and make adjustments to prevent future occurrences.
• Invest in process improvement: View defects as opportunities to refine processes and build a more robust startup.
• Embrace continuous improvement: The Five Whys encourages a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Conclusion: Building a Lean Startup with the Five Whys

The Five Whys technique, deeply rooted in the Toyota Production System, empowers startups to break through the "time/quality/cost, pick two" paradox. By addressing the root causes of problems, startups can build a lean, resilient system that is faster, more efficient, and less prone to disruptions.

Remember, the Five Whys isn't just about fixing problems; it's about building a startup immune system that adapts and grows stronger with every challenge.