Fishbone RCA
Organizing your team with this Fishbone Diagram template in your next Root Cause Analysis is a systematic way to identify and solve problems.
Trusted by 65M+ users and leading companies
Also known as the Ishikawa diagram, this technique provides a visual approach to understanding the root causes of complicated issues.
Overview of the Root Cause Analysis: Fish Diagram Template
The Fish Diagram is a visual representation of causal relationships, designed to uncover the underlying factors that contribute to a problem. Named after its resemblance to a fish's skeleton, the diagram segments a problem’s causes into different categories, such as People, Process, Equipment, Materials, Environment, and Management. By mapping out these categories, the Fish Diagram offers a holistic view of the issue, helping your team to identify the root cause.
Benefits of the Fish Diagram Template
Visual clarity: The Fish Diagram presents causes and their relationships visually, which facilitates a clear understanding of complex issues for individuals and teams.
Comprehensive analysis: The segmented categories ensure that all potential causes are explored, preventing oversight and leading to a thorough analysis.
Interdisciplinary collaboration: The diagram's structure encourages cross-functional collaboration, bringing together diverse expertise to address the issue.
Identifying root causes: By systematically mapping causes, the Fish Diagram enables the identification of the central issue, resulting in targeted solutions.
How to use the Fish Diagram Methodology
Define the problem: Begin by clearly defining the problem you're analyzing. This precise definition serves as a reference point throughout the process.
Work within the Fish Diagram: Attach your problem statement at the "head" of the fish within the template. Then, select relevant categories to label the "bones" extending from the spine (People, Process, etc.).
Brainstorm causes: Collaboratively brainstorm potential causes within each category, attaching them as branches to the corresponding diagonal lines.
Analyze relationships: Evaluate how causes within different categories might interact or contribute to the problem, adding sub-branches as needed.
Identify the root cause: Examine the diagram to identify the underlying factors that appear most influential. This will help you pinpoint the root cause.
Develop solutions: Based on the root cause, devise strategies to address the issue effectively. Ensure that solutions address the specific categories and sub-causes highlighted on the diagram.
Final thoughts
Whether you're working on a manufacturing issue, a project delay, the solution to a change request or a customer service concern, the Fish Diagram empowers you to see the bigger picture and take targeted action. With this Fish Diagram, you can steer your problem-solving efforts toward effective and lasting solutions with your team.
This templates was created by Project Management GameBoard.
Get started with this template right now.
Weekly Schedule Template
Works best for:
Planning, Project Management
The Weekly Schedule Template is a powerful tool that makes it easy for users to manage their time effectively. Specifically designed for weekly planning, this template provides a visual guide for organizing tasks, events, and activities. Its most notable feature is its ability to prioritize and allocate time systematically throughout the week. This unique flexibility ensures that users have a comprehensive overview of their schedule and can adjust it as needed to meet changing priorities and goals. With this template, people can achieve a well-organized and balanced week, promoting increased productivity and focus.
Strategic Action Framework
Works best for:
Roadmap, Planning, Mapping
The Strategic Action Framework template provides a structured approach for developing and implementing strategic initiatives. By defining goals, strategies, and action plans, teams can align their efforts with organizational objectives and drive progress towards desired outcomes. This template fosters collaboration and accountability, ensuring that strategic initiatives are executed effectively and deliver measurable results.
Product Vision Statement
Works best for:
Product Management, Planning
The Product Vision Statement template helps product teams articulate clear and inspiring visions for product development. By defining long-term goals, market aspirations, and customer value propositions, this template aligns teams around a shared vision for success. With sections for outlining strategic objectives, guiding principles, and success metrics, it provides clarity and direction for product development efforts. This template serves as a compass for product teams, guiding them towards meaningful outcomes and driving innovation and growth.
Roadmap Mountain
Works best for:
Roadmap, Planning, Mapping
The Roadmap Mountain template provides a metaphorical framework for planning and visualizing project objectives and milestones. By depicting the journey towards achieving goals as a mountain ascent, teams can inspire motivation and focus. This template encourages collaborative goal-setting and fosters a sense of accomplishment as teams progress towards their summit. With clear milestones in sight, teams can stay motivated and track their progress effectively.
Working Backwards Template
Works best for:
Desk Research, Strategic Planning, Product Management
Find out how to use the Working Backwards template to plan, structure, and execute the launch of a new product. Using the template, you’ll figure out if the product is worth launching in the first place.
Buyer Persona Template
Works best for:
Marketing, Desk Research, User Experience
You have an ideal customer: The group (or few groups) of people who will buy and love your product or service. But to reach that ideal customer, your entire team or company has to align on who that is. Buyer personas give you a simple but creative way to get that done. These semi-fictional representations of your current and potential customers can help you shape your product offering, weed out the “bad apples,” and tailor your marketing strategies for serious success.