Fishbone Brainstorming Worksheet

Use this worksheet to run a structured brainstorming session before drawing the fishbone diagram. Capture all ideas here first, then transfer the best ones to the diagram.

PROBLEM STATEMENT (What are we investigating?)

Date / Time:

Facilitator:

Team Members:

Brainstorming Ground Rules:

Every idea gets written down — no criticism during brainstorming
Build on other people's ideas
Quantity over quality at this stage
No phones or distractions — full focus for 15–20 minutes
Evaluation and voting happens after brainstorming is complete

Step 1: Select the categories relevant to your situation (use 6M for manufacturing, 4P for service/office). Write potential causes below each category.

People / Man

Method / Process

Machine / Equipment / Technology

Material / Information

Measurement

Environment / Policy

Step 2 — Vote and Rank Causes

Each team member gets 3 votes. Place a dot next to your top causes. Count the votes and list the top causes below.

#	Cause (copy from above)	Category	Votes	Rank
1
2
3
4
5

Top cause to investigate first (carry forward to 5 Whys):