The “Two What’s”

Many of us have learned/heard of the concept of the “Five Why’s”, which states that if you take a problem and ask why, for each answer you keep going down four more levels, (5 Whys), you will have an understanding of root cause and how to fix it. This is a great problem solving tool.

How about a similar tool to avoid problems that are self-created?

I’d like to suggest the idea of the “Two What’s”: Simply put, before you make a decision, ask what might be the possible outcomes/reactions. Then, for each "What", ask what additional outcomes/reactions could result?

A simple concept that will help you make better decisions and understand the possible outcomes and impacts of your decisions. You can then plan and execute more effectively.