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Criterion
A 5 Whys working surface connects an observable problem with evidenced causes, marked uncertainty and concrete countermeasures with ownership.
Operations
5 Whys
Paper illustration for Responsibility Poker.
Facilitation
Responsibility Poker
Paper illustration for Root Cause Tree Analysis
Operations
Root Cause Tree Analysis
A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
A3 Problem Solving
Purposedifferent
For a single, hard-to-explain deviation, the method exposes the causal chain behind the visible symptom. It keeps the cause open until a controllable condition emerges instead of a mere description.When it stays unclear who carries responsibility and who only contributes, Responsibility Poker makes the distribution of responsibility explicit. It sharpens the boundaries between weighing in, deciding, and bearing consequences.For a problem with several suspected causes, the method builds a causal structure instead of a mere list. It makes visible how causes connect and where the strongest points of leverage lie.For a complex deviation with several people involved, the method bundles problem, analysis, and decision onto one page. It creates a shared working space where causes, countermeasures, and follow-up fit together.
Complexitydifferent
LowLowMediumMedium
Timedifferent
15-30 min45-90 min1-3 h45-90 min
Participantsdifferent
2-63-102-82-5
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Root cause notes, CountermeasuresResponsibility Map, Role Agreements, Open QuestionsCause Tree, Evidence Notes, CountermeasuresA3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis
Tagsno overlap
Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving
RolesResponsibilityTeamFacilitation
Root causeTreeIncidentQuality
LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations
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