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)

 

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

“Every person that has received coaching from CGS has said that they are immediately able to apply their learning and see real change.”

 

– A Senior Government Official

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