causality Archives

Look deeper than what at first appears; help your team solve issues at their root Picture of Whale Bones at Whitby - as symbol for fishbone diagram cause and effect - Source: Tim Hill via Pixabay

Please help us to get the word out in just two clicks – click here – then click the like button

Why take this challenge?

Solve problems once and for all

Resolve long term and recurring issues

Build your team’s understanding of causality

Graphic image reflecting different pathways to take the adventure

Developed in 1982 by Kaoru Ishikawa, the Fishbone Diagram (so-called because of its shape) is one of the most useful mechanisms for a team of people to systematically solve the problems they are facing. It helps people move beyond pet theories, simplistic explanations and blame. It uses structured creativity to broaden their view and develop a richer picture of causality – one that is more likely to contain the real issue(s) and new insights.

Like all management methods from Japan at that time, it is both simple and collaborative: Bringing people together to share deeper insight and understanding. And yet, in that simplicity lies a surprising power to reach past division, to educate, and to bond people in finding a way forward.

And despite its power and its popularity, it is now increasingly common to find people who have never used them, at least not within the last decade.
So the adventure this week, for you and your team, is to get out those bones, and remind yourself of how useful they can be.

+ Green track - taking it in your stride

See a deeper perspective through a fishbone diagram

The Green Track this week is simply to remind yourself (or to learn for the first time) how fishbones work. And to try it out on something simple.

You can quickly read up on the Ishikawa diagram using the links in the Pack section. And there is a nice graphic video you will find here (but please don’t pay too much attention to the Cs and Xs).

Then, download the template from the Virtual Flipcharts (or simply draw out your own) and write your choice of the following at the head of the fish:

We are losing too much time in poor meetings
We don’t get a lot of good creative ideas
I am finding myself too rushed at times

Or any other issue you might like to try it out upon. Then simply give it a go. But please include some wacky thoughts to provide space for insight and creativity to crystallise. And when you have finished. Just highlight a few of the ideas to: test out; ponder upon; validate; or simply do something about.

+ Blue track - a bit of a workout (click to open)

+ Red track - stepping up to bat (click to open)

You may find the following resources helpful in tackling your challenge or in gaining further benefits from the skills and insights you develop

To catch up on past adventures you may have missed, feel free to browse our Adventures Library

Let us know how you get on.
Share your experience, your insights and your observation using the comments section at the bottom of the Linkedin post.

Please help us to extend and develop our community by sharing what you are doing. Click on the links below where you are most active, and then like or share the article to your network. Thank you for helping.

And share your progress and insights with the Twitter LbA community using #leadingbyadventure

Useful links:

Introduction to Leading by Adventure  |  What we mean by spirituality?  |  Why Adventure
Adventures to date   |  I did it, but it didn’t work very well   |  How do I know if it is working
Bringing this thinking into your meetings   |  Adventure & Mental Health
Leading by Adventure community   |  Explore Strategic Support options

#018 – Diagnostic Bones – Fishbone Diagrams