Tools and Technqiues - Fishbone Diagram
The fishbone diagram is a tool I learnt early in my career and have found in valuable to identify root causes of problems and overcome challenges.
Something I am experimenting with - a short article each week to introduce a tool or technique that you may find useful and include it in your toolkit.
Please let me know of any feedback - do you find this useful? Or a waste of time? Or what tools you would like to see.
The plan is to create a library of tools that you can access.
Fishbone Diagram
What is it?
This technique has many names. The most common names are the Fishbone Diagram and Cause and Effect Diagrams.
It’s a technique that helps you to identify the root causes of a problem and allows you to work out why a process is not working.
Why is it good?
It creates a diagram that helps you to visualise a problem and identify the main causes and decompose to the root causes. It quickly gets everyone on the same page.
It can be used with other techniques like the 5 Whys and brainstorming.
How to use it?
Step 1
The first step is for you to write down what the problem is. Be as specific as possible and detailed as possible. Use the What, Where and Who to write the problem down. The rest of the Fishbone Technique will uncover the why and the how.
Place the problem on the left or hand side of the canvas and draw a line horizontally across the paper from the box.
Step 2
Identify the components of the problem. It could be anything that may cause the problem. Brainstorm with your team to come up with the causes
Draw a line off the spine of the diagram and label each component.
Step 3
Identify the cause of each component. These causes may be broken down into even smaller increments or sub-causes. Only decompose if it makes sense.
Step 4
The final step is to analyse the diagram and investigate what the likely cause of the problem is. This may mean that you drill down into each cause, look at data that supports or opposes the causes, or interview stakeholders.
This is one of many tools that you can use to identify and solve a problem. Practice using it in your problem. Let me know how you go.
My Resources
Below are some of my free resources if you’re new to project management.
Templates
Paid Resources
Simple and Effective Project Risk Management is for those new to project management, the accidental project manager and experienced PMs wanting to learn something new. It will teach you what you need to know and get you started quickly. I’m running a promotion where the first 10 people who buy this get a discount, pay only $19, and can book a 30-minute coaching call with me.