Ask “Why?” Until It Hurts—Then Keep Going

There’s one question that’s guided me through just about every tough situation in business and life:

“Why?”

It’s simple. It’s uncomfortable. And it’s powerful.

It’s also the backbone of one of the most useful problem-solving tools you’ll ever learn: Root Cause Analysis (RCA).

If you’ve ever fixed something only for it to break again, this is why RCA matters. You didn’t fix the cause—you patched the symptom.

What Is Root Cause Analysis?

Root Cause Analysis is the structured process of identifying the real reason behind a problem—not just what’s on the surface.

It’s not about quick fixes. It’s about permanent solutions.

RCA is used across industries—manufacturing, healthcare, tech, education, small business, you name it. It’s a foundational skill in Lean Six Sigma and something every solid MBA program should expose you to.

But here’s the truth: you don’t need a Six Sigma belt or an MBA degree to use RCA. You just need to learn to ask better questions.

My Approach: Never Assume—Suspect, Then Conclude

Most people make assumptions.

I don’t.

I suspect something might be the cause. Then I ask “why?”—again and again—until I can conclude based on what I’ve uncovered.

This subtle shift keeps me from jumping to conclusions or blaming the wrong thing. And it’s saved me from countless wasted hours, misdiagnosed problems, and poor decisions.

How to Do Root Cause Analysis (The Short Version)

1. Define the problem clearly.
   Be specific. Not “sales are down”—try “sales dropped 22% in the Northeast in Q2.”
2. Ask “why?” five times.
   Each answer becomes the basis for the next “why.” Keep peeling back the layers.

Example:

• Why are customers complaining? → Late responses
• Why are responses late? → Staff short
• Why short? → People quit
• Why? → Burnout
• Why burnout? → No workload balance

Now we’re getting somewhere.

3. Look for patterns, not people.
   Use tools like Fishbone diagrams or Pareto charts if the problem is complex. But even on a napkin, asking “why” five times is a game-changer.
4. Fix the root, not the symptom.
   Don’t just plug the leak—fix the pipe.
5. Test and monitor.
   Did your solution actually solve the right problem? If not, go back and dig deeper.

A Professional Example

Problem: Team keeps missing deadlines.

RCA reveals:

• Delays are due to last-minute scope changes
• Scope changes come from unclear client expectations
• Clients are confused because initial discovery calls were rushed
• Why? → Sales team is incentivized to close fast, not right

Root Cause: Misaligned incentives between sales and delivery teams.

Now you’re solving the real issue—not just yelling about missed deadlines.

A Personal Example

Problem: Always late to appointments.

RCA reveals:

• I underestimate how long it takes to get ready
• Because I don’t prep the night before
• Because I’m too tired at night
• Because I stay up late on my phone
• Because that’s the only “me time” I get

Root Cause: Poor recovery and lack of intentional evening routine—not “bad time management.”

See how deep the rabbit hole goes?

Why You Should Care

Root Cause Analysis isn’t just a workplace skill—it’s a life skill.

It forces you to:

• Stop making assumptions
• Think critically
• Ask better questions
• Understand before acting

And when you use it consistently, it sets you apart. Whether you’re leading a team or trying to grow as a person, RCA makes you a better problem-solver.

Try This Today

1. Pick one thing that keeps going wrong.
2. Ask “why?” five times.
3. Write down your real root cause—not what you assumed, but what you discovered.

RCA is a thinking tool. And like most powerful tools, it’s simple—but not easy. That’s why most people don’t use it. And it’s why you should.

Because the real solution is almost never the first answer.

So ask yourself:
What’s the real reason this keeps happening?
And keep asking until you know for sure.  Want to read the full article? Click here.