Draw a bus exercise

After watching the video, you now have some valuable insights into connecting your strategic plan to your organisational capacity, making sure you have the right people in the right positions to be able to execute the strategy well. Let’s take some time now to think about the ‘bus’ metaphor that Jim referred to, and complete a drawing for your organisation.

Creating a visual representation of your organisation’s current status, often referred to as the “bus” metaphor, is a powerful exercise to gain clarity on your strategic plan and the alignment of your team with that plan. To draw your organisation’s “bus,” think about the following before you draw:

Some possible features to think about and try to draw:

• What is the overall condition of the bus?
• Who is driving? Is there more than one driver?
• Who is on the bus? Where are they sitting? Are they in the right seat?
• Who is not on the bus who should be? Has anyone been thrown off?
• Are there any signs on the bus?
• What is the condition of the engine?
• Is there any luggage on the bus? How much, and where is it?
• Is the bus facing any significant road conditions or hazards?
• In what direction is the bus going?
• What is the bus’ ultimate destination?
• Is there any music playing on the bus? Or a video?
• How much gas does the bus have?
• Are there any other important features about the bus?

Remember that the purpose of this exercise is to visually represent your organisation’s current status, encouraging reflection and discussion among your team. Once your drawing is complete, share it with your colleagues and engage in a discussion about what it reveals and what actions can be taken to improve your organisation’s alignment with your strategic plan.

Here are some bus examples for inspiration:

Here is an example of a bus drawing:

Now that you have drawn your bus, take some time to answer these questions:

Your answers are only visible to you.

Great work! You should now have a better idea of your organisation’s capacity, and whether you have the right people, in the right positions to be able to execute it well.