Fishbone Analysis, also known as the Ishikawa Diagram or Cause-and-Effect Diagram, is a visual tool designed to help leaders identify the root causes of a problem rather than just addressing symptoms. The diagram resembles a fish skeleton, with the “head” representing the problem and the “bones” representing categories of potential causes.
For emerging leaders, this tool is particularly useful for:
Improving team problem-solving skills.
Reducing recurring issues by addressing underlying causes.
Encouraging collaborative thinking and systematic analysis.
Problems in the workplace often have multiple contributing factors. Tackling only the obvious issues can lead to repeated failures and frustration. Fishbone Analysis helps teams:
Break complex problems into manageable categories.
Explore causes systematically rather than jumping to conclusions.
Engage team members in collaborative, evidence-based problem-solving.
For example, a recurring delay in project delivery might initially seem like a time management issue. Fishbone Analysis could reveal contributing factors such as unclear roles, inefficient processes, or lack of resources.
Clearly articulate the issue you want to solve. Place it at the “head” of the fish diagram. Be specific—vague problems produce vague solutions.
Example: “Customer complaints about late deliveries.”
The “bones” of the fish represent categories where causes may exist. Common categories include:
People – Skills, training, motivation, workload.
Processes – Procedures, workflows, bottlenecks.
Equipment/Technology – Tools, systems, maintenance issues.
Environment – Work conditions, organisational culture.
Materials – Inputs, resources, suppliers.
Tailor categories to your specific context.
Within each category, list potential causes of the problem. Encourage team members to contribute, and avoid judging ideas at this stage. Use prompts like:
Why might this happen?
What factors could influence this outcome?
Has this issue occurred before, and why?
Example for “Processes”: unclear procedures, missing checklists, inefficient handovers.
After brainstorming, analyse which causes are most likely contributing to the problem. Ask “Why?” repeatedly for each item until the underlying cause is clear (the “5 Whys” technique is useful here).
Example: Repeated late deliveries → unclear process → no standard operating procedure → lack of training → employees unsure of responsibilities.
Once root causes are identified, work with your team to design solutions that address them directly. Assign responsibility, define timelines, and follow up.
Example: Create clear SOPs, provide team training, and assign delivery responsibilities explicitly.
Engage the Team: Fishbone Analysis works best when multiple perspectives are included. Diverse input helps uncover causes leaders might not see.
Visualise the Diagram: A whiteboard, sticky notes, or digital collaboration tool helps teams see the full picture.
Focus on Evidence: Avoid assumptions. Ask for data, examples, or observations to support potential causes.
Follow Up: Identify solutions and track progress. Analysis without action does not prevent recurrence.
A team consistently misses internal reporting deadlines. Using Fishbone Analysis, the leader maps causes across the categories:
People: staff unclear on responsibilities.
Processes: no checklist for steps to complete the report.
Technology: outdated software causing delays.
Environment: high workload and competing priorities.
By focusing on the root cause—lack of standard process and unclear responsibilities—the leader implements checklists, clarifies roles, and trains staff. Over the next two months, reporting deadlines are consistently met.
Jumping to Solutions Too Early: Don’t skip root cause analysis—quick fixes often fail.
Overcomplicating the Diagram: Keep categories manageable and relevant.
Ignoring Team Input: Excluding team perspectives limits insight and buy-in.
Emerging leaders can use this tool in multiple contexts:
Process improvement initiatives.
Investigating recurring team conflicts.
Customer service challenges.
Project management and workflow bottlenecks.
Using Fishbone Analysis consistently develops problem-solving skills in the team, fosters a culture of evidence-based decision-making, and reduces frustration caused by recurring issues.
Fishbone Analysis empowers emerging leaders to see beyond symptoms, uncover root causes, and implement solutions that last. By engaging teams in structured problem-solving, leaders build capability, trust, and continuous improvement into everyday operations.