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)