Thread by @swardley

X : We need an advanced strategy course for our business leaders.
Me : How much mapping have they done?
X : We need advanced topics like digital strategy not maps.
Me : So, if I show them one of these maps then we can discuss from here?
X : What's that?
Me : A Wardley map.

Me : Have they used maps before?
X : Of course. Our leaders have decades of strategy experience. They just need the latest on digital.
Me : But, you don't recognise a map?
X : We use other maps but that's too low level. We need to discuss strategy, culture and organisation.

Me : But you can't discuss strategy, culture and organisation without an understanding of the landscape in which a firm operates. Context is really important.
X : We understand our landscape.
Me : Without maps?
X : Of course.
Me : How?
X : That's what our executives do.

Me : Ok, so your executives have their own "maps" but you've never seen them. How do they communicate with the firm?
X : Emails, newsletters and town hall meetings. I don't see what this has to do with digital strategy?
Me : Not quite what I mean. Can I ask you ...

Me : ... do have business alignment issues? Communication failures? Concerns over disruption? New competitors? Lack of innovation? Expensive project failures? Inertia? Struggling with agile?
X : Yes! This is why we need a digital strategy.
Me : No. That's why you need to map.

Me : You cannot discuss strategy, culture and organisation without first communicating the landscape, challenging our perception of it and learning from it which you cannot effectively do without a form of map. Your problem is caused by lack of maps not lack of digital strategy.

X : But we have maps!
Me : Yes, you said. Special "executive" maps which you've never seen. I've heard it all before.
X : I don't like your tone.
Me : You'll hate my price then.