How- How Diagram is used when seeking a practical solution to a problem. It works by repeatedly asking: How can this be solved. Multiple answers can be given for a single question, and therefore the result can be represented in a hierarchical tree format.

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How-How Diagram
A Practical Approach to Problem Resolution
HOW?
HOW?

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Introduction
Once you have identified a problem, you need to find a solution that will
permanently solve the problem.
Oftentimes, you should get to
the root cause of the problem
to understand why it’s
happening.
And this is where tools like the
5 whys can help.
How-How Diagram 2

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Introduction
Other times, you don’t even need to dig into the problem, you just need to
solve the it right away.
How-How Diagram 3
This is what is called
low hanging fruits.
These low hanging
fruits may be quick
wins or larger projects
that may involve
capital expenditure

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Introduction
For example, after reviewing a process, you may have identified non-value-
added activities that need to be eliminated.
How-How Diagram 4
NVA

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Introduction
Other examples include . . .
How-How Diagram 5
Change workplace
layout
Modify a procedure
Mistake proof a process
Improve management
reports
Improve existing
infrastructure
Train employees

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Introduction
In both cases, you need to come up with actionable items in order to solve
the problem permanently.
How-How Diagram 6
This can be easily done by
performing the How-How Analysis.

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Definition
The How-How Diagram is a simple method that is used to generate
multiple ideas to solve a specific problem.
How-How Diagram 7
It is a tree diagram used
when seeking a practical
solution to a problem

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Definition
Provides an effective structure for organizing possible ideas and solution
options all in one place.
How-How Diagram 8
It works by repeatedly asking: ‘How can this be solved?‘ Until you can no longer
break the answers any further.

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Definition
Multiple answers can be given for a single how question.
How-How Diagram 9
The result can be represented in a hierarchical tree format

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Benefits
How-How Diagram 10
Provides a list of possible solution
items all in one place.
Promotes collaboration and
strengthens the levels of
responsibility.
Helps breaking down the solution into
smaller components.
Supports the non-linear way in which
we tend to think.

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Steps for Creating the How-How Diagram
How-How Diagram 11
With your team, clearly state the problem then write it on a post-it card
• Place the problem card on the left side of a whiteboard or wall.
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Steps for Creating the How-How Diagram
How-How Diagram 12
Ask ‘how can this problem be solved?’
• Let the team write as many answers as possible on postcards.
• Stick the postcards to the right of the problem.
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Steps for Creating the How-How Diagram
How-How Diagram 13
Repeat this sequence of breaking down the problem by keep asking ‘How’
• Repeat until the ideas are specific enough or until you have no more answers,
and you are satisfied with the improvement ideas.
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Steps for Creating the How-How Diagram
How-How Diagram 14
Once you are finished, prioritize and identify the key ideas for implementation
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Two Formats
How-How Diagram 15
From
center to
the outside
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From left to
right

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Tips
Note that you might use the ‘OR’ symbol to indicate alternative ideas.
How-How Diagram 16
You can also add thick
borders around the ideas
that has been chosen to
be part of the final
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OR
Both ideas are
alternative to
each other
Indicates
successive
actions
An idea that
has been
chosen
An idea that
has not been
chosen

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Example – Energy Reduction
Let’s consider the goal of reducing energy consumption in a production
plant. The following how-how diagram illustrates the ideas generated by a
team for achieving this goal.
How-How Diagram 17
High energy
consumption
Improve energy
monitoring
Change oven burner
type
Draw energy
consumption map
Daily monitoring and
reporting
Weekly energy
meeting
Purchase best quote
HOW?
HOW?

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Example – Reducing Spoilage in a Production Line
The following is another example which involves a team seeking ways to
minimize spoilage in a manufacturing business.
How-How Diagram 18
HOW?
High
Spoilage
Reduce
changeover time
Review current
responsibilities
Train operators
Monitor and report
Train operators
Clarify and allocate
responsibilities
Reduce
breakdowns
Analyze
breakdowns
Provide internal
training
Hire an external
training provider
Implement a SMED
workshop
Implement a
breakdown system
OR

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Further Information
Very similar to the whys-why technique which focuses on finding the root
causes of the problem.
How-How Diagram 19
There may be multiple answers at each stage, and each of these answers need to
go through a separate process of the why-whys analysis.
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Further Information
The Power of Asking ‘How’ Instead of ‘Why’ in Coaching.
How-How Diagram 20
Asking ‘why’
will get you
nowhere
Asking 'how’
will get
straight to
the point
Instead of asking ‘Why is your performance so poor?’ ask 'How can you improve your
performance and keep it up?'

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