The Seeming Simplicity of "Why"

At first glance, asking “why” seems like the simplest thing in the world. It's often one of the first words children learn; we associate it with curiosity and learning. In professional settings, we're often encouraged to “ask why” to get to the root of problems or to uncover deeper insights. But as with many seemingly simple concepts, the act of asking “why” effectively is far more complex than it appears.

unraveling Two popular Methods

Let's explore two popular methods focused on asking “why.” They are the “5 Whys” technique and Simon Sinek's “Golden Circle.” While both involve asking “why,” they serve different purposes and require different skills.

The 5 Whys: Analytical Problem-Solving

Developed by Sakichi Toyoda and used in the Toyota Production System, the 5 Whys is an iterative technique for exploring cause-and-effect relationships underlying a particular problem. The idea is to ask “why” five times to drill down to the root cause.

Example:

Why is the machine not working? - It overheated.
Why did it overheat? - The coolant wasn't circulating properly.
Why wasn't the coolant circulating? - The coolant pump is broken.
Why is the pump broken? - It hasn't been maintained regularly.
Why hasn't it been maintained? - There's no maintenance schedule in place.

This method is analytical and focuses on logical progression. It's great for troubleshooting and identifying systemic issues.

The Golden Circle: Strategic Thinking & Communication

Sinek's Golden Circle, introduced in his book Start with Why, is a concept used to discover purpose and improve communication. It consists of three concentric circles: Why (the core belief), How (the processes), and What (the results).

Example for a company:

Why: We believe in challenging the status quo and thinking differently.
How: We design products that are beautifully simple and user-friendly.
What: We make computers and mobile devices.

This method is more about uncovering hidden purposes and motivations. It's particularly useful for strategic thinking, branding, and inspirational leadership.

The Hidden Complexities

While both methods involve asking “why,” they require different skills and face different challenges:

Analytical vs. Interpersonal Skills: The 5 Whys is more analytical, requiring logical thinking and attention to detail. The Golden Circle requires more interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence to uncover deeper motivations.
Scope: The 5 Whys typically focuses on specific problems, while the Golden Circle addresses broader, more abstract concepts like purpose and motivation.
Cultural Barriers: Both methods can face resistance in cultures that don't value questioning or where admitting to not knowing something is seen as a weakness.
Depth vs. Breadth: The 5 Whys examine a single issue in depth, while the Golden Circle encourages broader, more holistic thinking.
Implementation Challenges: The 5 Whys can lead to oversimplification if not used carefully. The Golden Circle can be challenging to translate into concrete actions.

Why Don't We Do This More Often?

Given the potential benefits, you might wonder, Why don't I use these techniques more often? The answer lies in the cultural and psychological barriers we face:

Time Pressure: Both methods require time for reflection, which can be scarce in fast-paced environments.
Fear of Failure: Asking "why" can expose problems or uncertainties, which some cultures view negatively.
Expertise Paradox: In many professional settings, we're rewarded for having answers, not questions. This can make it challenging to adopt a questioning mindset.
Lack of Practice: Effective questioning is a skill that requires development and practice.
Resistance to Change: Both methods can lead to insights that necessitate significant changes, which can meet resistance.

Conclusion: Embracing the Complexity

Recognizing that asking “why” is not as simple as it seems is the first step toward using these techniques effectively. Whether you're using the 5 Whys for problem-solving or the Golden Circle for strategic thinking, remember that these are powerful tools that require skill, practice, and often, cultural change to implement effectively.

By acknowledging the complexity behind these seemingly simple techniques, we can approach them with the respect they deserve and the patience required to master them. In doing so, we open up new possibilities for problem-solving, innovation, and strategic thinking in our professional lives.