Strategy Matrix

The Strategic Grid

Two by two matrices are a great tool for learning. They can be especially valuable if you can get groups to create their own matrix that defines certain features of their organizational and/or business reality. The creation of a meaningful matrix by a group is oftentimes evidence that some clarity of thinking has crystallized.

Lately we’ve been working with this one. We came up with it from our work with a particular client who was struggling with its purpose, and lived in the lower left, which isn’t at all untypical for many organizations.

How to Use It:

Organizations oftentimes act in more than one quadrant. It can be enlightening to ask people for examples from their organization from each quadrant. When they are then asked in what quadrant do you most need to play, they can then look at the examples they’ve already named. By the way, don’t assume the place to be is in the upper right. While few want to stay locked in the lower left, the other quadrants all have their compelling reasons.

If you use this matrix in some interesting ways, let us know. In the upcoming months we will be featuring other matrices for you to use.

Resource: A great book on the use of matrices is called “The Power of the 2x2 Matrix” by Lowry and Hood. Highly recommended.