ImagimapPreparing visions for implementation

13th Annual Conference on Training and Learning

May 2006

Definition

• A training tool

• A means of making an abstract vision concrete

• A way to gain involvement of employees in vision implementation

• An opportunity to collect feedback on the vision & improve it

Basic assumptions

• Companies function best when they work from clear visions

• Vision allows the company to align resources and increase impact

• The most difficult step in the process is translating the vision to clear action

• Lack of implementation is what causes most visions to fail

How Imagimap works

• Groups of employees are given an explanation of the company vision

• Each group is given the Imagimap “kit”@

• The group is instructed to build a model that demonstrates what the company must do to achieve the vision

• The group explains its model

How does it affect employees?

• Use of rich stimuli increases creativity• Play atmosphere promotes openness• Media neutralizes differences in

education and information between employees

• Competition reinforces motivation• Concrete multi-sensual stimuli

strengthen learning

Criteria for Excellence

• Make the kit rich with stimuli• Conduct several groups

simultaneously in a competition• Make sure all employees in the

company receive the training• Publish game results throughout

the company

What’s in the Kit?

• A map base• Markers• Play money• Lego or alternative• Figurines• Labels• Pens

What does the facilitator do?

• Prepare and give the vision explanation

• Provide groups with the Kit• Manage a “booth” where clues and

inspirations can be purchased with money provided

• Keep time• Facilitate group explanations of models

Who has done it?• At least 25% of Fortune 500 companies• National Semiconductor, Sears, Ford,

Teva• Multinationals• Large organizations with diverse

cultures• Usually as a result of significant

organization change (merger, growth)

What have they achieved?• Quicker vision implementation• Maximum employee participation• QA that improves vision effectiveness• A way of transcending cultural

differences• Better understanding of company

values & goals at the operational level

What to avoid

• Bad or unclear visions - go back to the drawing board

• Organizations with deep lack of trust• Lazy managers• Lack of top management sponsorship• Lack of willingness to implement

results

How to get best results• Make sure before you start that

the company is committed to implementing the vision

• Create a management committee responsible for implementation that reports to CEO

• Implement the Imagimap as part of an OD process