Strategy Articulation Map
Simple Yet Powerful: The Strategy Articulation Map
If you haven’t read the Insights post on Strategic Planning Done Right, I suggest you start there. This is a simple format for you to use to document your strategic plan in an executable, trackable, and consumable way for all employees.
What is a SAM?
A strategy Articulation Map (SAM) helps leaders put on 1 page a cool visual that aligns the work effort expended and the metrics used to measure performance up to the strategic vision/mission/purpose.
What is the purpose of a SAM?
The central purpose of a SAM is to align your leaders.
It is a great tool for helping leadership teams align on and commit to priorities
It supports decision-making or arguments for/against changing priorities
It supports decision-making around where to put what resources; helps to surface critical gaps
It also serves as an effective communications tool.
It is a great visual for keeping all employees on the same page with what their org is focused on
It is a great visual for people leaders to show employees how they are contributing to the overall strategy
It supports Performance Goals.
It helps ensure all employees are setting goals that contribute to the overall strategy
What is the most important rule to remember?
If it is not on the SAM, it should NOT be consuming resources!
The basic SAM template
There are many variations of SAM templates but this shows the foundational elements. You can keep this as the summary page with details for each box on subsequent pages. You could put this online and make the boxes link to more information.
The keys are stated above. Keep it simple. Keep it measurable. Share it will every employee. Build employee performance goals that align to the targets on the SAM. And keep it current.
