Solve Any Business Problem Instantly ....#20
- Adrian Dionisio - business737 owner
- Apr 6, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 17, 2024
Solve any Business Problem Instantly
Sometimes the answer can be so simple. You just need to know how to get there. Preferably via the easiest route possible! Luckily the path is illuminated for us by Taiichi Ohno, the father and architect of the legendary Toyota Production Systems.
“The basis of Toyota’s scientific approach is to ask why five times whenever we find a problem … By repeating why five times, the nature of the problem as well as its solution becomes clear.“
Taiichi Ohno
Brilliant in it's simplicity, genius in it's design. It really is that easy and the results speak for themselves.
The 5 Whys technique is a simple and yet remarkably effective tool for solving problems. For any problem follow the logical train of thought to it's conclusion by asking "why" five times. This will allow you to discover the root of the problem. When you know the origin of the problem then the solution should become clear.
The 5 Whys technique was developed and fine-tuned within the Toyota Motor Corporation as a critical component of its problem-solving training. It involves digging deeply into any problem until the underlying causes are unearthed.
Business Solutions using the "5 whys"
Let's keep this really simple so it can be applicable to the broadest range of businesses possible. Let's say you're running a business selling professional services and your monthly revenue has decreased. Ask the 5 whys to discover the cause of the problem:
Why has business revenues decreased?
Various clients came to the end of their contracts.
Why did they end their contracts?
They'd reached the natural end of their coaching programs and won't need to continue with the services until later down the line. I've been very occupied with these clients and haven't had the time to find new clients.
Why did you not find new clients?
I was spending the most of my working time occupied with my current clients and working with them.
Why were you spending all your time coaching these clients?
Coaching and providing client services occupies the majority of my time. After meetings with them I have reports and administrative tasks to generate as well as the general basic admin duties of my business. This means I haven't had time for my marketing and communications.
Why do you have to spend time on basic administration / neglect marketing?
This is because I haven't outsourced any parts of my business yet.
In this example the solution to the problem is to outsource certain duties so that the business can grow. Time management is a huge issue for all business owners and help and outsourcing can alleviate many problems.
Business Strategy for problem solving
This "5 Ways" method of problem solving is a great starting point to rectify issues and generate solutions. It is simple and it is effective. Most importantly, it will start the process of investigation and reflection. These processes are the foundations of improvement and innovation. The 5 whys may easily progress into 10 , 15 and even more. Remember the 5 is just a number!
The process of investigation and questioning is where the true value of this process lies. Using this strategy helps you avoid assumptions, traps of logic and "common sense". Instead, the trouble-shooter traces a chain of step by step causality, starting from the effect and ending at a root cause (which may well be one of many). Very often this strategy may show you that the source of the problem is quite unexpected!
Think of this strategy as a tool to help you meditate over your problems and issues. As always, the answer will come from within, after careful reflection and contemplation. Below you can find more examples of how to use the 5 why strategy;
Opmerkingen