How can you use visual representation to align stakeholders in operational planning?

1 Benefits of visual representation

Visual representation can help you align stakeholders in operational planning by simplifying complex information and processes. Visuals can make it easier to understand and remember your plan, as well as to identify gaps, risks, dependencies, and opportunities. Additionally, visuals can engage and motivate your audience, capturing attention and stimulating emotions. They can also create a shared vision while conveying your passion, commitment, and confidence in your plan. Furthermore, visuals can facilitate collaboration and feedback among stakeholders, encouraging dialogue and participation. They can also help you collect and incorporate feedback, suggestions, and insights from different perspectives.

2 Types of visual representation

When it comes to operational planning, there are various types of visual representation that you can use to align stakeholders, depending on your purpose, audience, and message. Diagrams are graphical representations of concepts, relationships, processes, or systems and can help to illustrate the structure, connection, and execution of a plan. Charts are graphical representations of data, trends, or comparisons and can be used to show performance, progress, or impact. Maps are graphical representations of locations, regions, or networks and can be used to display the scope, distribution, or reach of a plan. Lastly, dashboards are graphical representations of key indicators, metrics, or goals and can be used to demonstrate the status, results, or outcomes of a plan.

3 Best practices for visual representation

To use visual representation effectively to align stakeholders in operational planning, you should first define the purpose and audience. Then, use clear and consistent design, making sure to use simple and relevant labels, titles, legends, and colors. Additionally, your visual should be based on accurate and reliable data that supports your plan and its objectives. Finally, make sure to use interactive and dynamic features that allow stakeholders to explore, filter, zoom, or drill down the visual. It is also important to update the visual regularly to reflect any changes or progress in the plan.

4 Examples of visual representation

Visual representation can be an effective way to align stakeholders in operational planning. For example, a flowchart can be used to show the steps and responsibilities of your operational plan to team members and managers. A pie chart can be used to demonstrate the allocation of resources or budget for your operational plan to sponsors and partners. A geographic map can help illustrate the locations or regions affected by your operational plan to customers and beneficiaries. Finally, a balanced scorecard can show the strategic alignment and performance of your operational plan to executives and board members.

5 Resources and tools for visual representation

If you want to gain more knowledge about using visuals to align stakeholders in operational planning, or if you need tools or templates to create your own visuals, there are some resources and tools you can refer to. Mark Edwards' book, The Visual Communication Book, covers the principles and techniques of visual communication and provides examples and exercises to improve your visual skills. Additionally, Canva is an online platform for creating visuals such as diagrams, charts, maps, or dashboards with drag-and-drop features and templates. Google Data Studio is an online tool for creating and sharing interactive and dynamic dashboards with data from sources like Google Sheets, Google Analytics, or Google Ads. Microsoft Power BI is another online tool for creating and sharing interactive dashboards with data from sources like Excel, SQL, or Salesforce.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?