Practice: Use Common Symbols

Use Common Symbols

Communication

Motivation

The governance system has to provide a mechanism for coordination and engagement across groups. This requires a mechanism of shared learning — for example, discovery and dissemination of examples of good practice. To achieve this, we must have a common language. Collaboration without a common language is just noise before failure.

Consider these first

Use Maps

Illustrative description

Maps are visual, it is useful to have a common lexicon of symbols.

Detailed description

Use symbols in a way that maintains their common definition. Feel free to add more symbols as required, but bias toward common symbols.

The image is a legend for a strategic mapping framework, showing terms, symbols, and their meanings. Terms like 'Component', 'Interface', 'Point of change', and others are matched with symbols such as circles, lines, arrows, etc. The meanings cover concepts like entities in a map, connections between components, and changes in the map due to competitive forces or resistance. It also includes symbols for market formation, ecosystem models, and methods of operation like in-house development with agile techniques, using off-the-shelf products, or outsourcing to utility suppliers. The legend helps decode a strategic map's elements, showing how they interact and influence each other within a business or organizational context.

Reminder: Stop reading, take action

Consider next

Use Common Terms

Adapted from writings by Simon Wardley under CC BY-SA 4.0