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Have you ever had a large, complex, and seemingly overwhelming problem that you initially had no idea how to solve? Chances are, it would have been helpful if you used an issue tree.

The issue tree is a tool that consultants use to break down big problems into smaller manageable ones. Firms like McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group, and Bain often look to see that their candidates use issue trees in interviews. In addition, consultants themselves use them frequently on the job.

Issue trees are used to break down problems into their component parts. As a result, issue trees help consultants focus their efforts on more manageable smaller problems that can be tackled one by one. Ultimately, the solutions for each smaller piece lead to solving the larger whole.

The best issue trees are mutually exclusive, meaning that there are no overlaps amongst the different smaller components. They are also collectively exhaustive, meaning that the components cover all potential root causes of the problem. For instance, imagine your client has a profitability problem. Your issue true would be mutually exclusive by focusing on revenue and costs, as there are no overlaps between the two. 

Finding a solution to a client’s overall problem doesn’t mean solving every little problem along the way. Instead, the best issue trees help consultants solve the most crucial and important problems. This feature of great issue trees follows the 80/20 rule, which states that roughly 80% of the effects of something comes from 20% of the causes.

Great issue trees will have a logical flow throughout the smaller sub-issues. If the components of the issue tree seem random and unrelated, there is bound to be more confusion than solution.

Issue trees are a useful tool to use during the case interview – just be sure that you remain structured, logical. At the end of the day, the categories you use inside of your issue tree will determine whether you are successful or not.

Analysts can use this pattern when determining cause and effect. For example, you can use this template to analyze sales declines for a company’s products. You can identify key areas that will help you strengthen your product’s position in the market.

Also, this template can be used by team leaders when discussing problems with the development of a software product for a client at weekly sprints. You can describe in detail the reasons that prevented the team from completing the project on time.

University professors and business coaches can use the slides in this template to prepare Problem Analysis and Solutions or Business Process Analysis courses in manufacturing.

Issue Tree is a modern and stylish template that has all the tools you need to build a professional presentation. If necessary, you can change all the elements of the slide in accordance with your corporate requirements. This template will be useful for startups, company executives, business trainers, analysts and software developers. The Issue Tree template will organically complement your presentations and will be a great addition to your collection of professional presentations.