5x Why 

The creator of 5 Why is Sakichi Toyoda. During the development of industrial methodology, this method was quickly improved and implemented within the Toyota company. Taiichi Ohno, the creator of the Toyota Production System, described 5 Why as Toyota's scientific approach of repeatedly asking the question "Why?" By asking this question enough times, we can get an obvious answer that allows us to solve our problem. 

When to use: 

This technique is also helpful in working with the mentee to deepen self-awareness about motivation in a particular subject. This could be related to a desire for promotion, wanting to do something, and accomplishing something. 

Materials: 

• Sheets of paper  
• Colored pens/markers  
• A virtual board, in case of remote work (e.g. Miro, Mural)  

Instructions:  

1. In a given context, ask the mentee 
2. Example: Why do you want to be promoted? / What is your motivation for this promotion?  
3. Ask the mentee to write down their answer.  
4. In response to the mentee's answer, ask a follow-up question appropriate to what you have heard.  
5. Ask the mentee to write down their reply.  
6. Repeat this step 4 more times - and observe with curiosity where this dialogue takes you.  
7. In the end, check with the mentee if this answer brings them closer to making a conscious decision about the promotion.  

The following example is about the question of motivation for becoming a mentor: 

Example: 

• Q: Why do I want to be a mentor?  
  A: Because I want to help others in their development? (1)  
• Q: Why do you want to help others?  
  A: Because it gives me satisfaction. (2)  
• Q: Why does it give you satisfaction?  
  A: Because it builds my authority. (3)  
• Q: Why is building authority important to you?  
  A: Because I like feeling important. (4)  
• Q: What does this give you?  
  A: Recognition in the eyes of others and myself. (5)