The Five So What's Technique
I find this is a simple but effective technique reviewing and evaluating problems and solutions.
The Five So What's is a problem reframing technique that reveals the ideal outcome by repeatedly asking "So what would be good about that?"
The process involves:
- State the current problem.
- Ask "So what would be good about solving this problem?"
- Give a response on the benefit.
- Ask "So what would be good about that benefit?"
- Provide another level of benefit.
- Repeat asking "So what would be good?" until the ideal end goal is reached.
For example, a clinic may have long patient wait times. By asking "so what?" five times, they may discover the core desire is improving patient satisfaction.
This digs through surface problems to identify underlying needs. It opens minds to think bigger. The repetitive questioning challenges assumptions on where value lies. Five So What's refocuses on the ideal rather than getting stuck on problems. This clears the path for innovative solutions.