The strategic map: deciding, weighing up, presenting

A map can be used to think, not only to remember

So far the map has been used to capture and to reproduce. It also serves, and this is its most under-used purpose, to take a decision and to defend it.

Format 1: the decision map

Centre: the decision to be taken, and its deadline. One branch per option, three at most. Four sub-branches per option: FOR, AGAINST, COST, REVERSIBILITY. One final branch: CRITERION, written before the analysis.

Two details make all the difference.

The criterion written first. Without it, you unconsciously adjust the arguments to justify the option you already preferred. Setting it down first forces honesty.