When it comes to strategic planning, simple tools often deliver the biggest impact. One I keep coming back to when running workshops is the affinity map.

It’s a practical way to get everyone in the room involved and bring clarity around ideas.

It’s not complicated, but when used properly, it works.

 

Watch the video below or keep scrolling to explore affinity mapping in action.

 

start with the right question

 

At its core, an affinity map is about getting input from the team. You give the group a clear prompt, hand out Post-it notes, and ask each person to write down their thoughts [one idea per note].

Where this really comes to life is in the “where” section of a strategic planning session.

A question I often ask is:
How do we want people to describe us in three years?

 

group ideas into themes

 

Now this is where the value starts to build.

Once everyone has captured their thoughts, they come up and place their notes on a board.

From there, you begin grouping similar ideas into themes like; “friendly”, “approachable”, and “good people” might sit together, while “expert” or “quality” might form another group.

At this point, it can look a bit messy, and that’s completely normal.

The role of the facilitator is to step in, work through the noise, and bring clarity to those groupings. Sometimes that means asking the room, sometimes it means making a call and refining it.

What you’re working towards is clear, consistent themes.

 

why it works

 

When done well, this process gives you a shared language across the business and helps align the team around how you want to be seen and where you’re heading.

You can use this tool beyond strategy. It’s just as useful for problem-solving, team workshops, or making sense of feedback.

 

we’re here to help

If you’re unsure where your business fits, or want help with strategic planning, reach out to me at j.knight@businessdepot.com.au or give us a buzz on 1300BDEPOT.

 

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