What type of diagram can help teams brainstorm and categorize potential causes of a problem?

The fishbone diagram, also known as the Ishikawa diagram or cause-and-effect diagram, is a powerful tool for teams looking to brainstorm and categorize potential causes of a problem. This approach is particularly beneficial in quality improvement processes, as it visually organizes possible contributions to an issue, allowing teams to dissect complex problems into manageable components.

The diagram resembles a fish's skeleton, with the problem at the "head" and the various categories of causes represented as "bones" branching outwards. This structure encourages team members to think broadly about different factors—such as processes, materials, environment, and people—while establishing a clear visual representation that can stimulate discussion and encourage collaborative thinking.

Additionally, other diagram types mentioned serve different purposes. A pie chart is used for illustrating parts of a whole, often for categorical data. A bar graph compares quantities across categories effectively but doesn’t provide a mechanism for exploring the relationships between causes. A Venn diagram emphasizes overlaps and relationships between different groups rather than detailing the causes of a single issue. Thus, the fishbone diagram stands out as the most suitable option for brainstorming potential causes of a problem.