Two chairs side by side, ready for a Deep Why conversation in pairs
Working model: Deep Why

What really drives you, beyond the expected answer?

The first answer is often the expected one. If you keep asking the same question, you slowly get beyond your surroundings and what is socially expected, to what really drives you.

View the model
Deep Why, free working model by Futures Academy. Hand drawn sheet with the question Why, the direction Wide towards the result and Deep towards the intent, and three levels: organisation, team and me
DescriptionDeep WhyAlso known as: 5 Whys, self inquiry, downward arrow

The 5 Whys in two forms. As Root Cause it is a problem solving technique, originally from Sakichi Toyoda: you keep asking along a chain until you reach the cause behind the symptoms. As Deep Why you ask exactly the same question five times, as self inquiry, until you get beyond the expected answer to your real motivation.

Perspective switchBeyond the expected answer

The Deep Why challenges your assumption that your first answer is also your real answer.

1When to use

When to use
the Deep Why

You want to start a session with real presenceAs a check in it connects the context, the group and personal experience.
You want to know what really drives peopleBeyond the answer that fits the agenda or that the surroundings expect.
A problem keeps coming backWith Root Cause you follow the chain of cause and effect to the source, instead of only fighting symptoms.
The difference between Root Cause and Deep Why

With Root Cause the question changes with every answer and you build a logical chain of cause and effect. With the Deep Why the question stays exactly the same. That repetition quietens analytical thinking and turns your attention inwards.

2The model

Searching for cause
and/or intent

You ask one question: why. Then you choose a direction. With Root Cause you move along the top towards the result and look for the cause. With the Deep Why you go into the depth, towards the intent, and look for what really drives you.

Hand drawn Deep Why: the question Why at the top with intent and result, Wide along the top towards the result, Deep along the side towards the intent, and three levels: a building, a team and a person
The Deep Why in two directions. Tap a direction in the model or scroll through the explanation.
Root CauseDeep Why
Download the model as an image
Root Cause · searching for the cause
Root CauseA chain of whys

The classic 5 Whys, originally devised by Sakichi Toyoda for problems in manufacturing. You look for the cause of a problem instead of only fighting the symptoms on the surface. All five questions start with why, but the wording changes with every answer. That way you build a logical chain of cause and effect.

Deep Why · searching for the intent
Deep WhyThe same question five times

You ask exactly the same question five times: why? That way you peel away the surface thoughts layer by layer, until you reach a deeper truth. The first answer is often the expected one: because it had to be done, or because it was in the diary.

Inspired by Hindu and Zen traditions, you can also use one single unchanging question. In the search for the Deep Why this works remarkably well to uncover hidden beliefs or your real motivation. You do not analyse, but first let a deeper answer surface before the question sounds again. The repetition quietens the analytical thinking shaped by your surroundings and turns your attention to yourself.

Background · 1.5 minutesSimon Sinek on the Why

Simon Sinek, known for Start with Why, shows in a minute and a half why it starts with why. A good prelude to your own Deep Why.

3Apply

How do you apply it?

Time20 to 30 minutes
PeopleIn pairs
You needTwo chairs and a timer
  1. 1Explain the setup. Timing, roles, and why you ask the same question five times: to get beyond the socially expected answer.
  2. 2Sit down in pairs. The listener guides the conversation. If you like, put the chairs back to back.
  3. 3Ask the question. Always start with: Tell me, why… For example: why are you here today?
  4. 4Only say thank you. After every answer the listener only says: thank you. No reaction, no conversation.
  5. 5Repeat exactly the same question. Five times. The same answer, a new answer or silence: it is all fine.
  6. 6Swap roles. After about seven minutes. Make it clear when it is time.
  7. 7Share in the group. Let the pairs tell each other’s Deep Why to the group.
Download the free worksheet
Two participants in conversation in lounge chairs, with clipboards and notes on their laps, during a Futures Academy Deep Why exercise
A Deep Why in pairs. One asks, the other searches. After every answer only: thank you.
4Facilitator notes

Tips from practice

  • Choose your form beforehand: the Deep Why for the intent, Root Cause for cause and effect.
  • Do not think too much. Let thoughts and feelings come by themselves, and do not push.
  • It feels uncomfortable, and that is why it takes discipline. Stick to your role: no conversation.
  • Turn the chairs around. Back to back, you avoid non verbal reactions from the listener.
  • Let the listener tell the other person’s Deep Why to the group. That way one really listens, and the other can focus on the journey.
5Examples

Twice five times why

This is how a conversation could go, in each of the two forms. An illustration, not a real record.

Two chairs for a Deep Why conversation

Deep Why · always the same question: why are you here today?

1Because it was in my diary.
2Because my manager thought it was important.
3Because I am curious about what is going to change.
4Because I want my work to matter.
5Because I want to contribute something I will still be proud of in five years.

Root Cause · a new question each time: why do customers drop out?

1Because they have to wait a long time for an answer.
2Because questions are passed on several times.
3Because nobody owns a question.
4Because teams are judged on their own task.
5Because we steer on efficiency, not on the customer. This is the root cause.
The story in one line

The first answer is the expected one. The fifth often comes closer to the truth.

Smart Moves

Every week one pioneer like Klarna

What did that organisation really do, and why? In ten minutes. With three reflection questions and a canvas to apply the move to your own challenge.

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Smart Moves: what would Klarna do?Smart Moves: what would IKEA do?Smart Moves: what would Maersk do?
6Result

Possible next steps

Working modelWheel of ReasoningWhere do you start to set real change in motion?View the model With your teamA session with usStart your team session with a Deep Why, guided by Futures Academy.View the sessions We are happy to helpStuck?Ask us for help. We are happy to think along with you.Get in touch
Sources

Further reading

Good reads

Scientific background