Moe Glenner, author and founding CEO of PURELogistics, has made a living exploring the concepts behind change initiatives His “Five Why Method” presents an innovative way to problem solve by identifying the root of any issue through a series of questions.
Safety professionals are often faced with large, often complex, issues that require structural change within an organization to protect workers and prevent occupational injuries. According to Glenner, bringing about a successful change in any organization must incorporate a three-step process: plan, communicate and execute. The “Five Why Method” acts as a precursor to the overall process.
He explains his method using the example of an overweight man. The man realizes his weight is a problem, but before he can begin to lose the weight he must first identify the source of his problem.
Q1: Why am I overweight?
A1: Because I consume too many high fat and high caloric foods.
Q2: Why do I consume these foods?
A2: Because they provide ready comfort.
Q3: Why do I need ready comfort?
A3: Because I am always tired and feel overworked.
Q4: Why do I feel that way?
A4: Because I don’t truly feel appreciated.
Q5: Why don’t I feel appreciated?
A5: I don’t know.
The key, Glenner says, is getting down to an “I don’t know answer.” The process doesn’t necessarily need to be just five questions; it can be as few as three of four, or as many as 20. Once you can no longer answer your own questions, you have found the underlying problem, he says.
The simplicity of this method should not discredit it. Glenner explains that even complex problems, while there may be multiple contributing factors, usually have only one main issue. “The hard part is actually identifying what that cause is, because there is so much noise,” he says.
To read more about the Five Why Method of Change or any of Glenner’s other works, visit his Consulting Company page, Author site or find him on twitter @moeglenner.