OHNG Warfighter Culture Fundamentals 

BE Curious

Chief Warrant Officer 5 Richard W. Kerwood / Ohio Army National Guard State Command Chief Warrant Officer  ~  WATCH VIDEO ON YouTube

• Ask “why” until you identify the root cause of problems
• Dig as deeply as necessary to get the answers you need to do your job and continuously improve the organization.

Curiosity is vital for fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in the Ohio National Guard. When individuals consistently ask “why,” they dig into the root causes of issues rather than simply addressing surface-level symptoms. This mindset is essential in identifying root causes and implementing lasting solutions, not just quick fixes.

One proven method for doing this is the “Five Whys” technique, a key component of problem-solving methodologies like Lean and Six Sigma. A curious and effective leader doesn’t stop at surface-level explanations. For example, if the communications equipment frequently fails during field operations, the initial issue appears to be that the equipment was not maintained – but that’s just the beginning. A curious leader won’t stop at the “equipment failed.”

The Five Whys Analysis:

WHY does the communications equipment frequently fail during field operations? Because it is not functioning properly when deployed.

WHY is it not functioning properly when deployed? It wasn’t thoroughly tested or maintained before the mission.

WHY wasn’t it thoroughly tested or maintained before the mission? Because the pre-mission checks were rushed or skipped.

WHY were the pre-mission checks rushed or skipped? Because there was a limited time allocated for equipment preparations.

WHY was there limited time allocated for equipment preparation? Because of poor planning and last-minute changes to the training schedule. Now, the root cause – Poor mission planning and time management lead to insufficient equipment checks and maintenance, resulting in communication failures in the field can be addressed by enforcing pre-mission equipment checklists.

The “Five Whys” approach helps peel back layers of symptoms to find the core issue. In the military, where efficiency and readiness are critical, this level of analysis ensures mission success and operational improvement.

General George S. Patton once said, “If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking.” Curiosity challenges the status quo and opens the door to better ways of doing things—even in structured environments like the military. Being curious isn’t just about asking questions—it’s about owning your role, seeking understanding, and making things better for the whole organization. Encouraging a curious mindset includes creating an environment where questions are both welcomed and valued. Leaders should model this behavior, showing that seeking deeper answers is a strength. The “Five Whys” technique exemplifies how repeatedly asking “why” can uncover fundamental issues. This method not only aids in diagnosing problems but also fosters a sense of ownership among team members, empowering them to contribute actively to the organization’s success.

Ultimately, cultivating curiosity within a team leads to a deeper understanding of challenges, promotes proactive problem-solving, and equips the Ohio National Guard to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing landscape. This continuous pursuit of knowledge and improvement is what differentiates common organizations from high performing ones.