An X-Matrix is a template used in organisational improvement that concisely visualises the alignment of an organisation’s True North, Aspirations, Strategies, Tactics and Evidence on a single piece of paper, usually A3 size (29.7 x 42.0cm, 11.69 x 16.53 inches).
The main elements can be described as follows:
- True North – the orientation which informs what should be done. This is more of a direction and vision than a destination or future state. Decisions should take you towards rather than away from your True North.
- Aspirations – the results we hope to achieve. These are not targets, but should reflect the size of the ambition and the challenge ahead.
- Strategies – the guiding policies that enable us. This is the approach to meeting the aspirations by creating constraints which will enable decisions on what to do.
- Tactics – the coherent actions we will take. These represent the hypotheses to be tested and the work to be done to implement the strategies in the form of experiments.
- Evidence – the outcomes that indicate progress. These are the leading indicators which provide quick and frequent feedback on whether the tactics are having an impact on meeting the aspirations.
The alignment of all these elements is shown through the 4 matrices in the corners of the template, which form an X and thus give the format its name. Each of the cells in the matrices indicate the strength of correlation (e.g. strong, weak, none) between the various pairs of elements, forming a messy coherence of the whole approach.
Completing an X-Matrix is a collaborative process of co-creation and clarification to get everyone literally on the same page about the work that needs to be done to succeed. Used to its full potential, the X-Matrix can become a central piece in Strategy Deployment, helping to guide discussions and decisions about what changes to make, why to make them, and how to assess them.
You can download a copy of my X-Matrix template, along with some related ones. Like most A3 formats, there are many variations available, and you will find that a lot of other X-Matrix versions have an additional Teams section on the right hand side. My experience so far has been that this adds only marginal value, and have therefore chosen not to include it.
If you would like help in using the X-Matrix as part of a Strategy Deployment improvement approach, please contact me to talk.