Maps

When ever I'm involved in an initiative, I try to somehow visualize the big picture before diving right into it. Sometimes it means thinking about an experience as a timeline. Other times it's a flow of actions with multiple possibilities. Sometimes it's a map of media properties and other times it's an organic display of connections.

The point is that you can get where you are going without a map. You can ask a stranger on the street, pull over to a gas station or wander around until you eventually find it. But maps always seem to help us find our way and can help others feel reassured about where we are going.  Maps are great—we can still explore with them, but it's just good to know that they're there when we need them. Without them, we might still find out way—though getting lost is never all that much fun.

Comments

[Grace]

Great metaphor! you just solved an argument I was having yesterday on marketing research and when to do it... I guess it changes the way to get there, but mostly, it gives you reassurance. The only problem is when we get dependent on maps.

Thanks for the insight :-)

[Jay Ball]

I think it's true that getting an overarching perspective is vital on any new initiative.

The only danger with the map analogy is if you get stuck with just one type of map (which is after all an interpretation of reality rather than reality itself). In this your point about looking at the initiative in differing ways is key.

For example, I wonder how many professionals in the financial industries are tearing up their existing mental maps at the moment (and how many more need to).

[Mark]

I like the thoughts, especially in a fast moving and uncertain world....however, I have enjoyed getting lost on occasion as it opens up the possibility of discovery and ideas that were initially not thought of.

[Clinton Skakun]

This is some great inspiration. To get somewhere quicker, you have to see the big picture. By seeing the big the picture, you also know more about the place your going and what's there when you get there. It's a great way to motivate yourself. This is where a lot of my energy comes from, writing things down and looking over it constantly so I know I'm on track.

Great Post!

-Clinton

[Matt]

The more detailed the map, the easier it is to get to the destination.

That's the argument for a detailed brief, if you agree that brief = map.

[Colin Shaw]

I think the issue for me is there is more than one way to get to a destination. All too often we travel down the road everyone has always travelled. How does this help differentiation?