Relations Diagram

Interrelationship Diagram for thought mapping

Interrelationship Diagram

Use a Relations Diagram

to identify root causes of a complex, nonlinear problem

Sample Relations Diagram example

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When to use your other

Root Cause Analysis tools

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How to use your

Relations Diagram template

Find and open your template

Save your working document

following the usual document storage and naming conventions established by your leaders

Open a Blank Sheet

Rename your new sheet.

If English is not your preferred language

Switch to your language, just like every Systems2win Excel template.

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Now your team is ready to start using your

Interrelationship Diagram

for thought mapping to isolate root causes of a complex, multi-faceted problem

Step 1) Organize your team

Usually no more than 5 to 7 stakeholders — with differing perspectives.

Follow the instructions and use your tools to launch any team.

Step 2) State the problem

Clearly state the problem in the document title.

Distribute your clearly defined problem statement at least a day or more in advance,
so your team members have a chance to begin thinking about it, and come more prepared.

Step 3) Brainstorm

Brainstorm issues that are most likely to contribute to the problem.

Use your Brainstorming and Affinity Grouping template (Brainstorming.docx)

Perhaps also use Hansei to stimulate lean thinking

Step 4) Write thoughts into cloud shapes

One thought per cloud. Arrange clouds in large circle.

Some people like to include a cloud in the center for the primary presenting problem.

If you didn't skip the New User Training, you will already know how to use Excel as a drawing tool.

Step 5) Define relationships between each cloud

Choose any two clouds.

If your group decides that one factor causes or exacerbates the other, then draw an arrow from the causal factor to the affected one.

Repeat this analysis for every pairing of clouds.

Perhaps re-arrange and/or color-code the clouds into affinity groups.

Step 6) Tabulate the results

Count the number of arrows leading into and out of each cloud.

The issues with the most "out" arrows are probable key causes of the other issues, and therefore probably deserve more of your group's attention.

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This Relations Diagram template comes with many other useful Root Cause Analysis tools and Lean Six Sigma tools.

 

Own them all for one low price