A.I. Cookbook Recipes

ChatGPT Recipes

5 Whys Prompt: Root Cause Analysis

Based on a topic mentioned in the book Elite: High Performance Lessons and Habits from a Former Navy SEAL, which describes the "5 Whys" approach to finding the root cause of a problem. A clever way to turn ChatGPT into a root cause analysis and use it to find the root cause of any problem. This method is an iterative interrogative technique used to explore cause-and-effect relationships underlying a specific problem.
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Origins of the 5 Whys approach

The "5 Whys" technique, as discussed by Nick Hays in his book, was originally developed by Sakichi Toyoda, the founder of Toyota Industries Corporation, in the 1930s. It was used within Toyota Motor Corporation during the evolution of its manufacturing methodologies. The concept gained widespread recognition in the 1950s when Taiichi Ohno, the architect of the Toyota Production System, popularized the 5 Whys concept​​. This method is an iterative interrogative technique used to explore cause-and-effect relationships underlying a specific problem. By repeatedly asking the question "Why?" about a particular issue, the approach aims to drill down to the root cause of a problem, enabling more effective solutions. While Nick Hays may have utilized this technique in his own experiences and teachings, its origins and widespread application are attributed to the foundational practices at Toyota.

Process of the 5 Whys Approach

  1. Identify the Problem: Start with a clear statement of the problem.
  2. Ask Why: Ask why the problem exists. The first answer typically points to another problem, which is a symptom of the root cause.
  3. Repeat the Why: Continue asking why for each answer given, digging deeper into each response.
  4. Find the Root Cause: After asking why five times, the root cause of the problem usually becomes apparent.
  5. Develop Solutions: Once the root cause is identified, develop solutions that address this fundamental issue, not just its symptoms.

The book Elite: High Performance Lessons and Habits from a Former Navy SEAL is avilable from many book sellers including Amazon.com at: Elite: High Performance Lessons and Habits from a Former Navy SEAL

Recipe Objective:

Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Using a Modified 5 Whys Methodology

The proposed approach for Root Cause Analysis (RCA) using a modified version of the 5 Whys methodology offers several benefits, particularly in the context of problem-solving and continuous improvement:

  • Structured Problem-Solving: Systematic deep dive into root causes prevents superficial analyses and encourages thorough investigation.
  • Collaborative Coaching: Coaches provide external perspectives, challenge assumptions, and help refine problem statements and causes.
  • Iterative Refinement: Continual refinement of root cause statements based on feedback leads to more comprehensive understanding.
  • Actionable Insights: The process produces actionable insights, moving beyond problem identification towards solutions.
  • Enhanced Learning Experience: Repeated application enhances analytical skills and intuitive problem-solving abilities.
  • Customization and Flexibility: Adaptable to various types of problems across different industries.
  • Documentation and Traceability: Documentation of each iteration aids in future reference and demonstrates due diligence.
  • Focused Problem Definition: Clear problem definition ensures focused and relevant analysis.
  • Engagement and Ownership: Active participation encourages ownership of both the problem and its solution.
  • Comprehensive Solution Development: Iterative process leads to a comprehensive approach in solution development.

This methodology, with its focus on iterative learning, collaboration, and comprehensive analysis, can be a powerful tool for addressing complex problems in various domains.

Example from the Book

Problem: A team is not winning games.

Why: Why is the team not winning games?

Response: Players are not finishing strong.

Why: Why are the Players not finishing strong?

Response: They lose heart in the fourth quarter.

Why: Why do They lose heart in the fourth quarter?

Response: They get tired and start thinking about themselves.

Why: Why do They get tired and start thinking about themselves?

Response: They are playing for themselves, not for each other.

Why: Why are They playing for themselves, not for each other?

Response: The coach has created a culture that focuses more on the individual than on the team.

Solution: Change the team culture to emphasize teamwork and mutual support.

Tags: , , .

Preparation:

Steps Explanation
Set clear goals for your prompt. This process repeats 5 times, each time improving itself and providing innovative ideas on why the problem exists.

Step by Step Prompts:

Steps ChatGPT Prompts and Responses

Step 1

:PROMPT

Please forget all prior prompts. I want you to become my Root Cause Analysis Coach. Your goal is to help me find the Root Cause of a problem that I am having by using a version of the 5 Why's Approach to Root Cause Analysis.

  • I will provide the problem as I see it and my suggestion for what I think the Root Cause might be. It may be rough and need refining, but we will need to improve it through continual iterations by going through the next steps.
  • Based on my input, you will generate 3 sections:
    • A ) Revised Root Cause: Based on analysis of similar problems [provide your rewritten Root Cause. It should be clear, concise, and easily understood by you].
    • B ) Suggestions: Provide suggestions on what details to provide in the Root Cause to improve it.
    • C ) Questions: Ask questions pertaining to what additional information is needed from me to improve the Root Cause.
  • We will continue this iterative process with me providing additional information to you and you updating the Root Cause in the revised Root Cause section until it has iterated 5 times. Then you will provide a recommended solution.

Example of the Process

Problem: A team is not winning games.

ChatGPT Response: Why is the team not winning games?

User Response: Players are not finishing strong.

ChatGPT Response: Why are the Players not finishing strong?

User's Response: They lose heart in the fourth quarter.

ChatGPT Response: Why do They lose heart in the fourth quarter?

User's Response: They get tired and start thinking about themselves.

ChatGPT Response: Why do They get tired and start thinking about themselves?

User's Response: They are playing for themselves, not for each other.

ChatGPT Response: Why are They playing for themselves, not for each other?

User's Response: The coach has created a culture that focuses more on the individual than on the team.

Solution: Change the team culture to emphasize teamwork and mutual support.

As a Root Cause Analysis Coach using the 5 why's approach, your goal is to guide the user through this process by iterating 5 times and doing steps 1-3 listed above. In item 2)b) Suggestions, please include insightful suggestions based on best practices. If you understand, simply respond with "READY".

:RESPONSE

READY
Step 2

:PROMPT

My business website is not getting the traffic that I want it to get.

:RESPONSE

Thank you for sharing your problem, Richard. Let's start the root cause analysis process.

Revised Root Cause

The business website is experiencing low visitor traffic.

Suggestions

  • Consider elaborating on the type of traffic expected (e.g., demographic, geographic, volume).
  • Reflect on the marketing and promotional strategies employed for the website.
  • Think about the website's content, design, and user experience.

Questions

  • What are the current marketing and SEO strategies in place for the website?
  • Have you identified your target audience, and if so, what are their characteristics?
  • How do you currently measure website traffic and engagement?
Step 3

:PROMPT

Answers to Questions

1) No marketing strategies with basic SEO in the website.

2) The Target Audience is, "The target audience for effortlessly.net is solopreneurs - determined, independent, and ambitious individuals running their businesses single-handedly. These individuals often manage multiple roles and responsibilities within their business, seeking to maximize productivity while maintaining high-quality results. They are interested in harnessing the power of A.I. and automation to save time, reduce effort, and gain a competitive edge. Open to innovation and learning, they are always on the lookout for practical, efficient solutions to streamline their business operations and propel growth."

3) I currently do not measure traffic aside from basic website host provider metrics.

:RESPONSE

Thank you for the detailed responses, Richard. Based on your input, here's the updated analysis.

Revised Root Cause

The website is not attracting the intended target audience of solopreneurs due to a lack of advanced SEO and marketing strategies, and insufficient tracking of website traffic and engagement.

Suggestions

  • Implement advanced SEO techniques tailored to your target audience's search behaviors.
  • Develop a comprehensive digital marketing strategy, including content marketing, social media engagement, and possibly paid advertising.
  • Establish a more robust system for tracking and analyzing website traffic, such as using Google Analytics, to understand visitor behavior and preferences.

Questions

  • Have you researched the common search terms and online behaviors of your target audience (solopreneurs)?
  • What kinds of content (blogs, articles, tutorials) would most appeal to your target audience and reflect the use of AI and automation in business?
  • Are you open to exploring and investing in digital marketing channels, such as social media advertising or email marketing campaigns?

Expected Results:

The Final Result

:FINAL RESULT

The process repeats 5 times and allows ChatGPT to improve the root cause analysis with each iteration by asking an improved version of "why". The final result is a refined root cause analysis and a better understanding of the problem by asking prompting ChatGPT to ask several rounds of questions.

Tips and Tricks:

Tips/Tricks Explanation
Use this prompt to uncover new ideas on how to solve tough challenges. Since this prompt asks ChatGPT to iterate 5 times, each round will give you suggestions and questions to discover more about the problem.

Recipe Sources:

Source Deatils

N/A

Based on a topic mentioned in the book Elite: High Performance Lessons and Habits from a Former Navy SEAL, which describes the "5 Whys" approach to finding the root cause of a problem. A clever way to turn ChatGPT into a root cause analysis and use it to find the root cause of any problem. The book Elite: High Performance Lessons and Habits from a Former Navy SEAL is avilable from many book sellers including Amazon.com at: Elite: High Performance Lessons and Habits from a Former Navy SEAL We can recommend the book and do not received any money or benefit from this recommendation, we just like the book.

Recipe Revisions:

Time Activity
1/1/2024 Initial Content Published

All dates are approximate.