The strategy of developing a strategic mapping using a diagram emphasizes a structured approach to organizational initiatives. It begins by compiling strategic initiatives from various departments and sorting them into key perspectives like financial and customer. For instance, a financial initiative might involve cost-cutting measures, while a customer initiative could focus on improving service. The inclusion of stakeholders ensures these initiatives align with the broader organizational vision, and identifying interdependencies ensures nothing is overlooked. Engaging a diagram software specialist helps visualize this complex information effectively.
The next phase involves designing the strategic mapping diagram. This requires selecting a versatile diagram tool and creating layered representations of each strategic perspective. By using standard shapes and color codes, the complexity of the relationships between initiatives is made comprehensible. For example, arrows in the diagram can show how learning initiatives lead to growth. Regular updates and stakeholder feedback help refine the diagram, ensuring it’s a living document that reflects current organizational goals.
Finally, implementing and communicating the strategic map is crucial. This is done by rolling out the map via a formal presentation and making it accessible on collaborative platforms. Managers are tasked with aligning their team goals with the mapped strategies. Regular review sessions and workshops enhance understanding and utilization of the map, turning it into a tool for tracking progress and celebrating achievements. By embedding the map at every organizational level, it becomes a central part of strategic planning and execution.
The strategies
⛳️ Strategy 1: Compile Strategic Initiatives
- Gather key strategic initiatives from organisational departments
- Organise initiatives into relevant perspectives: financial, customer, internal process, and learning and growth
- Engage stakeholders to validate and prioritise the initiatives
- Define clear objectives associated with each strategic initiative
- Align each initiative to the overall organisational vision
- Identify interdependencies between different initiatives
- Establish key performance indicators for each strategic initiative
- Review existing strategic maps for inspiration and improvement ideas
- Engage a diagram software specialist to assist in visual representation
- Seek feedback from stakeholders on drafted initiative compilation
⛳️ Strategy 2: Design Strategic Mapping Diagram
- Select a diagram tool that allows for easy sharing and editing
- Create separate layers for each strategic perspective in the map
- Use standard shapes and colour codes to represent different elements
- Input strategic initiatives and their key action points into the diagram
- Connect related initiatives with lines to show relationships and dependencies
- Incorporate arrows to indicate the flow of activities and their direction
- Annotate the diagram to provide clarity and context for each element
- Ensure the diagram aligns with the organisational objectives and vision
- Make provision for regular updates and version control of the diagram
- Seek feedback from a cross-section of employees to refine the map design
⛳️ Strategy 3: Implement and Communicate the Strategic Map
- Introduce the strategic map to all employees through a formal presentation
- Share the diagram on a collaborative platform for continuous access
- Instruct managers to align team goals with the strategic map
- Develop an FAQ guide to address common questions regarding the map
- Schedule regular review sessions for updates and improvements
- Encourage departments to integrate the map into planning activities
- Use the map to track progress and report on strategic initiative outcomes
- Conduct workshops to train staff on how to utilise the strategic map
- Implement a feedback loop for ongoing improvement of the map
- Celebrate milestones achieved as outlined in the map with staff recognition
Bringing accountability to your strategy
It's one thing to have a plan, it's another to stick to it. We hope that the examples above will help you get started with your own strategy, but we also know that it's easy to get lost in the day-to-day effort.
That's why we built Tability: to help you track your progress, keep your team aligned, and make sure you're always moving in the right direction.
Give it a try and see how it can help you bring accountability to your strategy.
