Enabling Methods & Tools
Gathering stakeholder input is a critical element of all of our approaches, not only to build organizational buy-in but also to enable our clients to make data driven decisions to achieve their missions. CGS uses a suite of methods and tools to make all of our consulting engagements collaborative. Involving a wide breadth of stakeholders at key engagement points fosters a culture of involvement and builds unity of effort. Engaging stakeholders and gathering their input early on in an effort creates buy-in and ultimately increases efficiencies by reducing rework later on. Common stakeholder input methods that we use on engagements include:
Methods
Organizational Assessment & Design
- Capability alignment reviews
- Mission readiness assessments
- Current/future state mapping
- Root cause analysis
- Organizational diagnostics
- Operating model redesign
- Span of control and layer analysis
Strategic Planning
- Strategic goal-setting frameworks (e.g., OKRs, Balanced Scorecard)
- Prioritization matrices (e.g., Eisenhower Matrix, impact/effort grid)
- North Star articulation and alignment
- Performance forecasting
- Time horizon modeling (1, 2, 5 years)
- Strategic alignment mapping (mission → structure → staff)
- SOAR, SWOT, PESTLE analysis
- Environment scanning
Change Management
- Top-down change readiness assessments
- Executive alignment sessions
- Stakeholder impact analysis
- Change network and sponsor coaching
- Risk mitigation planning
- Change communication strategy
Performance Management
- Key performance indicator (KPI) development
- Logic models / Theory of Change
- Performance monitoring frameworks
- Continuous improvement cycles (e.g., Plan-Do-Check-Act)
- Resource alignment modeling
- Accountability frameworks
Program Evaluation
- Cost-benefit and return-on-investment (ROI) analysis
- Utilization-focused and developmental evaluation
- Quantitative data analysis (surveys, dashboards, benchmarking)
- Qualitative methods (interviews, focus groups, structured observation)
- Evaluation logic models
- Evidence rating and gap identification
Implementation Support
- Phased rollout planning
- Pilot testing and rapid iteration
- SOP development and refinement
- Implementation coaching and facilitation
- Program management (Agile, traditional PMBOK)
- Knowledge transfer and institutionalization planning
Project Management
- Work breakdown structures (WBS) and task tracking templates
- Gantt charts and milestone schedules
- Risk and issue logs with mitigation plans
- Budget and cost tracking spreadsheets
- RACI matrices (roles and responsibilities)
- Agile boards (Kanban, Scrum) and sprint planning templates
- Project closeout reports and lessons learned templates
Program Management
- Integrated master schedules (IMS) across multiple projects
- Program charters and governance frameworks
- Portfolio-level KPI dashboards
- Benefits realization plans
- Program risk registers and escalation protocols
- Stakeholder engagement matrices
- Resource allocation models and cross-project staffing plans
Tools
Assessment & Planning Tools
- SWOT and SOAR analyses
- Mission alignment diagnostic tools
- RACI charts (roles and responsibilities)
- Strategic planning workbooks/templates
- Capability maturity models
- Force field analysis (barriers/enablers)
Engagement Tools
- Executive workshops
- All-hands briefings / town halls
- Staff surveys and pulse checks
- Listening sessions and structured interviews
- Public meetings / stakeholder roundtables (where appropriate)
- Feedback loops (digital and in-person)
- Team building
Communication & Visualization Tools
- Graphic facilitation
- Roadmaps and milestone timelines
- Strategy maps
- Dashboards (Power BI, Tableau, Google Data Studio)
- Infographics and visual summaries
- Change communication playbooks
- Leadership talking points and briefing materials
Performance & Evaluation Tools
- Data collection instruments (surveys, rubrics, observation checklists)
- Scorecards / dashboard reporting templates
- Evaluation frameworks (Kirkpatrick, CIPP, GAO’s Evaluation Design Guide)
- SOP templates and process maps
- Cost-efficiency calculators
- Compliance checklists
Digital & Collaboration Platforms
- Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or Google Workspace (document collaboration)
- Miro, MURAL, or Lucidchart (visual facilitation)
- Smartsheet, Asana, or Trello (project tracking)
- Qualtrics or SurveyMonkey (survey administration)
- Zoom / Webex / MS Teams (virtual facilitation)