One of the challenges of the X-Matrix is that it can be initially confusing for people. Their eyes can glaze over when it is presented on its own. I’ve seen various attempts to try and address this with different X-Matrix flavours. However, I don’t think the format is the problem. These three tips are how I now approach the challenge of X-Matrix communication.
Use the X-Matrix for collaboration
The X-Matrix’s core strength is as a collaboration framework. When I work through the format, step by step, people intuitively pick it up as they go. When people are working through the process of completing one, they are building it up piece by piece. It also makes more sense because they are exploring their context and discussing their content.
However, there is a huge amount of information on an X-Matrix. It often takes many hours or days to come to the final coherent and consented content. People cannot be realistically expected to take in all this information in one go. Therefore, while it remains a great tool for collaboration, another approach to X-Matrix communication is required.
Only communicate one part of the X-Matrix at a time
The story behind why and how it was created is missing from the raw X-Matrix. One of my favourite quotes about A3s is that,
“it’s the memory of what was said and felt that creates alignment, not the final piece of paper”.
Thomas L. Jackson: Hoshin Kanri for the Lean Enterprise
Thus when addressing the challenge of X-Matrix communication, we want to tell that story and describe those memories.
Building up the X-Matrix, one element at a time helps introduce the thinking behind it. This allows people to understand the rationale and relationships more gradually. In today’s world of PowerPoint and video calls, this generally means spreading out the X-Matrix over several slides of a presentation. Each slide might focus on a different part of TASTE, or a different set of correlations. Equally, highlighting only some aspects of the X-Matrix, while hiding others, may also be appropriate if that prevents people from being confused or overwhelmed.
Add clarifying details when you communicate
The advantage of spreading out the X-Matrix communication over many slides like this is that it opens up more possibilities. The story can be complemented with additional detail and colour. For example, describing the background of the business landscape. Visualisation techniques and exercises from Agendashift can be useful here. I have previously blogged about Option Orientation with Reverse Wardley Mapping as one example. Alternatively, it could be adding more detail, such as specifics around people, scope or metrics and dashboards.
This also opens up the possibility of using alternative visualisation techniques which might enhance the story. Again, I have previously blogged about using Sankey Diagrams. Having said that, this may prove to be a different acquired taste. I’ve found some people find Sankey Diagrams useful, while others still prefer a simple table.
However, having a single slide per Tactic can form the basis of backbriefing to start getting people engaged in involved in the transformation work. Ultimately, it is this engagement through Catchball that will enhance communication.