Alignment maps offer a visual representation of strategic goals and the initiatives designed to achieve them. They provide a clear view of how different tasks align with overall objectives, aiding in prioritising and decision-making processes. An alignment map is divided into two main sections: the top half outlines the strategic goals, while the bottom half details the initiatives.
The strategic goals are usually arranged in a hierarchy, with the most important at the top. This hierarchy allows for a clear understanding of the organisation’s priorities. The initiatives, on the other hand, are the tasks or projects aimed at achieving the strategic goals.
Each initiative is linked to one or more strategic goals, showing how it contributes to the overall strategy. The strength of these links can be indicated by the thickness of the lines connecting the goals and initiatives. This visual representation helps organisations to identify any initiatives that do not align with their strategic goals, enabling them to streamline their efforts and focus on what truly matters.
Alignment maps can also be used to communicate strategy to stakeholders, providing a clear and concise overview of the organisation’s strategic direction and how individual initiatives contribute to it. They can facilitate better understanding and engagement, leading to more effective execution of the strategy.
Go to source article: http://martinfowler.com/bliki/AlignmentMap.html