Mapping
We believe in taking purposeful action - we work out what we want to do, we do it, and then we make sense of what happened. Of course, in our fast moving world even the purposeful action itself is continually evolving. So, what makes sense today might need to change tomorrow. In the process of trying to galvanise people into purposeful action, maps can help gain focus and commitment.
Pictures often say more than words and become a shorthand which people can easily refer to. They can also help see relationships between the separate parts and the wider context - the wood and the trees - and act as a prompt for talking about the complex interconnections that exist. They don't necessarily replace the need for verbal or written explanations, but they do help summarise what otherwise might be difficult for people to "get".
Gracechurch draws on a variety of different approaches to mapping depending on the context. These include value chain analysis, rich pictures from Soft Systems Methodology and a systems-based view of market interconnections. Recently we helped a client in a complex industry construct their distribution pipeline. A "straw man" map was used as the basis for discussions with people at different points in the pipeline. The output map showed the chain was shortening, quantified the amounts of value being exchanged at each point and highlighted any innovations. This enabled our client to re-think how they were segmenting the market and their role in the process.
If you would like further information on this service, please contact one of our directors.
Related information
- Understanding the market
- Setting direction
- Developing business
- Implementing plans
