The bigger your company, the bigger challenge it can be to keep everyone on the same page. That’s especially true in manufacturing.
Different stakeholders. Different business units. Different processes. All of those factors can make it difficult to define business priorities, align common goals and demonstrate the value of changes. One key to alignment is mapping a vision.
Wait … What Exactly Is a Vision Map?
In a nutshell, a vision map is a visual tool customized for every organization. Here’s a closer look at what it is and what it isn’t:
- What it is
- One-page map that shows the big picture
- Organized by business unit
- Comprehensive view of your company’s health, processes and systems
- Storytelling tool, showing how platforms like Salesforce can transform your entire ecosystem
- What it isn’t
- Highly detailed, “death by Powerpoint” presentation
- Hard to explain, making it difficult to connect the dots
- A look-alike of what others are showcasing
Example of a Vision Map
While every map is customized, here’s a sample illustration:
5 Benefits of Using a Vision Map
Why is a personalized vision map such a powerful tool for any organization? From strategy to simplicity, here are some of the key advantages:
1. Shows “What’s in it for me?” for every business unit.
Since everyone can see what it means for them and how it all fits together, that ultimately:
- Creates more buy-in and adoption at every level.
- Helps people see the value of initiatives and how it all relates to them.
- Drives bigger and better outcomes.
2. Creates better alignment and understanding.
Since it’s organized by business unit, everyone can see every major initiative across the rest of the company – getting the full context at a glance.
3. Improves communication.
This one-page document:
- Easily explains key initiatives to stakeholders.
- Creates more clarity at every level.
4. Increases collaboration.
That includes:
- Creating a shared vision. (In fact, several visual maps that we’ve created and customized for our manufacturing clients have been shown onstage at dealer conventions and during leadership meetings.)
- Creating conversation and planning among groups.
- Guiding conversations around “What is Salesforce?”
- Serving as a tool for Salesforce, Sundog and client teams in roadmap and strategic planning.
5. Serves as a tool for C-level leadership.
These customized maps also often hang on the walls of C-Level execs, demonstrating the company’s vision and keeping it front and center.
Remember, vision maps show “what’s in it for me?” across business units, demonstrate the value of initiatives and show the big picture at a glance. And the assessments and workshops that drive the data for these deliverables are proven to be successful at increasing both innovation and alignment across key groups.
Want to see what a vision map could look like for your customers or organization? Or want to learn more about how it works? We’d love to help.
