Visualizing An Event

This map represents an event or the completion of a project. The central topic is the sign-off or completion point. Topics on the left represent thinking and action required before completion. Topics on the right show how things will be different after completion. You should check that the outcomes on the right are balanced with decisions and actions on the left, to ensure that you achieve the outcomes you need, and adequately plan for any risks.

You can use this template to map out anything that has a completion point, such as a project, a conference, your holiday, moving house and so on. It will help you explain the big picture of a project to someone else, and think through the implications before it is too late.

Begin by changing the text in the Central Topic to something that reflects your project, e.g. "Move to new office".

Visualizing An Event

• Expected Change
  • Outcomes
    List the planned outcomes that this event will deliver. What are your ambitions in financial, customer service, internal process and learning perspectives? How will you measure success or failure?
    • Financial
    • Customer
    • Process
    • Learning
  • Consequences
    What are the direct consequences of this event? Do they change your strategic direction, or impact you personally? These might not be the intended outcomes but are important to consider beforehand.
    • Strategic
    • Personal
  • Implications
    Can you foresee any indirect consequences of completing this event or project? For example, if it requires additional effort, what are the effects of taking this resource from somewhere else?
  • Rick Mitigation
    Are all the risks in the event or project under control? Does the successful completion reduce any existing risks?
• Thoughts and Actions
  • Factors
    What are the factors that make this event or project necessary? Work backwards to the root causes so that you know you will be solving the right thing.
    • Causes
  • Plans
    \In this section, you can set out the action plans and steps needed to deliver the project or event. You can make lists of actions, or you can set them out in Funnel Timeline layout to show the order in which things need to be done.
    • Actions taken
    • Risks managed
  • Resources
    What resources are needed for this project or event?
    • People
    • Skills
    • Tools
    • Information