The 5 Whys Exercise

Oftentimes, people come to coaching wanting a drastic change - wanting to quit, wanting to move countries, wanting something more, something less.

Before we problem solve on a higher complex level, one tool that’s available for further exploration is the 5 Whys Exercise.

Simple, but sometimes effective. Sometimes, you don’t really get to your why in 5 steps, so keep going.

The essence is to keep asking Why until you feel that you are getting closer to the core.

Here’s an example:

Problem: I want to quit my job

The surface issue that feels like the solution, but is actually just the first symptom of deeper dissatisfaction.

1) Why?

“I feel unhappy and unfulfilled.”

The emotional experience that's driving the desire to escape the current situation.

2) Why?

“Everything I work on is boring.”

The specific workplace experience that's creating these negative emotions day after day.

3) Why?

“My manager doesn't give me other tasks.”

The organisational dynamic that's maintaining the status quo despite my dissatisfaction.

Why?

“I didn't tell her I'm bored.”

The communication gap that prevents change from happening naturally.

Why?

“I'm worried about her reaction.”

The root cause: Fear of vulnerability is preventing me from addressing the actual problem.

Be curious about what might emerge for you. If not much emerges, be curious too. Could there be something you don’t want to truly look at?