I've written a number of blog posts about our culture and core ideologies. Most recently, I wrote about how to keep these values top of mind and visible, and this graphic came to mind. Trying to visually represent all of these important concepts, link them with our longer term goals ('big hairy audacious goal' or 'BHAG' for short) and to ultimately show how interconnected it all is wasn't an easy task.
In order to take such an abstract concept and make it concrete, we worked with our graphic facilitator to create an interesting graphic that we've since used in company communications, a goals worksheet, and our wiki.
Starting from the left, the core purpose is the first concept, then we integrated all the core values around an apple core to give it some visual appeal (apple core, core values--get it?). Each core value has a few actions or notes next to it remind us exactly what it is.
Our brand promise is next and highlights the four concepts that are most important to us as a company. Finally, tying it all together is our long term goal, or "BHAG" as Jim Collins called it, one million influential entrepreneurs as customers. This creates a very powerful graphic with visual appeal while still communicating very important concepts which are at the core of what we do.
This is a brilliant example of how to use the concepts of visual thinking to more effectively communicate complex and critical information. I always appreciate when organizations use existing best practices - in this case the concept of a single page plan that outlines both long-term and short term objectives combined with visual thinking. I would be interested to know exactly how this has impacted your employees in terms of their engagement, focus and effort. You've inspired me to follow suit and have our planning pyramid put into a graphical format.
Bravo!
John Stepleton
It is hard to say the exact impact of this graphic however it is just another tool in keeping these concepts in front of people. As a visual learning myself it was helpful for me.
We do have a full 1 page visual graphic that has this in the center along with 3 year, 1 year, quarter goals and priorities. We also have a modified personal version that includes department quarter goals and personal development goals. Will work on posting this entire graphic for anyone that wants it.