FINESSE Fishbone Diagram: Helping Technical Professionals and Project Managers

Career growth depends on using proven communication approaches in addition to hard skills.

JD Solomon
2 min readJan 20, 2025
The FINESSE cause-and-effect diagram provide the seven elements necessary for communicating information for high-stakes decisions (visual source: Unsplash)

Technical professionals and project managers often face the challenge of communicating complex information to diverse stakeholders. FINESSE offers a practical framework to simplify this process, making your communication clear, impactful, and actionable.

Fishbone Diagram

A fishbone diagram, also known as a cause-and-effect diagram, is a visual tool used to systematically identify and analyze the root causes of a specific problem. Its structured format helps break down complex issues into categories, fostering clarity and focused problem-solving.

FINESSE as a Mental Model

A mental model is a framework that individuals use to understand, interpret, and remember. It simplifies complex concepts by organizing information into relatable patterns easily recalled under pressure.

The Bones of FINESSE

Frame: A well-framed, well-documented issue reduces misunderstandings and saves time by aligning everyone from the start.

Illustrate: Effective graphics make complex ideas accessible, improving decision-making and buy-in.

Noise Reduction: Create clear, concise communication by minimizing data and information not needed at the higher levels.

Empathy: Empathy builds trust, fosters collaboration, and improves your role as a trusted advisor.

Structure: A strong opening and logical flow ensure your audience grasps and makes your points memorable.

Synergy: Use FINESSE to navigate the complexities of group dynamics, team discussions, and multi-stakeholder reviews.

Ethics: Ethical communication strengthens relationships and enhances your professional reputation.

Helping Technical Professionals and Project Managers

FINESSE turns challenges into opportunities for technical professionals and project managers helping with high-stakes, big decisions. Using a proven, systematic approach, you’ll deliver clear, confident messages that create successful projects and propel your career.

Communicating with FINESSE is the not-for-profit community of technical professionals dedicated to being highly effective communicators and facilitators. Visit our Tackle Shop for communication and facilitation resources. Join the community for free.

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JD Solomon
JD Solomon

Written by JD Solomon

Helping people become better communicators and collaborators. Creator of www.communicatingwithfinesse.com. Founder of http://www.jdsolomonsolutions.com.

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