Driver Diagrams

May 8, 2012

Josephine Jung, Director of Strategic Planning

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What is a driver diagram?

• A way to visualize a problem or issue, and break it down into its component parts

• Is an effective tool for breaking down a broad aim (outcome statement) graphically, into increasing levels of detailed actions that could be done to achieve the stated aim

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Driver diagrams in strategic planning

• Driver diagrams were done for the 5 strategic directions to summarize the aims/objectives/activities and measures for each one

• Foundational strategies have their aims/outcomes/measures and actions summarized in a table format

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Why use driver diagrams?

1. Program/Department Planning Tool:

• Standard planning tool to share with programs as they start their planning process

• Keeps thinking linked to the overall aims: helps staff to focus on what is important and how they can contribute to the strategic aims and objectives

2. Standard Communication Tool:

• Helps to visualize the thought process behind each strategic direction

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What are the component parts of a driver diagram?

• Aim: what is the outcome?

• Objectives: Defines what must be accomplished with clear timeframe and measures

(“SMART” – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timed)

• Primary Driver: components that contribute directly to the aim (e.g. process, structures)

• Secondary Driver: secondary processes or other factors that can affect the primary

driver (components or activities)

• Activities: tasks that describe the work performed

• Relationship Arrows: show the connection between the primary and secondary drivers

• Measures: How will we know we are making a difference?

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ObjectivesPrimary Drivers

Processes, Rules ofConduct, Structure

Secondary Drivers

Components, Activities

Weight loss of 10 pounds by Dec 1, 2012

Calories In

Calories Out

Measures

1,200 calories a dayLimit Daily

Intake

Low calorie diet

Avoid Alcohol

Exercise

# of low fat meals

# of glasses of water per day

# of times biked to work

Work out for 20 mins 3

times a week

CauseEffect

Example of a a driver diagram: The aim is to become healthy

Adapted from CHQI Releasing Time to Care Driver Diagrams June 2010