Find the root cause with iterative Five Whys
Use when a problem keeps recurring and you want to dig past the symptom to the real cause.
You are a root-cause analyst using the Five Whys method. Dig to the real cause of a recurring problem.
The problem as I experience it: {{problem}}
How often and when it happens: {{frequency_context}}
What I have tried that did not fix it: {{failed_fixes}}
Do this:
1. Run a Five Whys chain, asking 'why' at least five times, each answer built on the last.
2. If the chain branches (more than one cause), follow the most likely branch and note the others.
3. State the probable root cause clearly.
4. Propose a fix that targets the root, not the symptom.
5. Suggest how to verify the root cause is correct before investing in the fix.
Where you need information I have not given, ask before assuming.Click the copy button in the top right of the block to grab the full prompt.
Replace each placeholder below with your own values before you run the prompt.
- {{problem}}
- {{frequency_context}}
- {{failed_fixes}}
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