Company Vision Maps: What They Are and Why They Matter

I’m sure the phrase ‘Company Vision Map’ isn’t entirely new to you. Although not often talked about in-depth and with a lot of description, this is a phrase that is commonly tossed around in the workplace.

Just about any leadership book that you read will express again, and again, the importance of having a company vision map. They may ramble on about why it’s important and how it can be game-changing for your company. That is very true; it can be game-changing for your company and it is very important for many reasons.

For our readers that may be less familiar with the phrase, let’s begin this article with a look at what a company vision map is.

What Is a Company Vision Map?

If you’re a young entrepreneur, or in any area of business at all, you may already have an idea of where I’m going with this. But, although you may have an idea, there may be something new that you find out in our description of a company vision map, so I inquire of you to read just a bit more of this section before skipping it entirely.

Every company has goals; they have deadlines for these goals and they have actions that they carry out each day to attain these goals. They have a plan and usually, the whole team has an idea of what the end prospect is once this plan followed out.

Now, a company vision map is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a map that a company uses to map out their vision. This map usually ends with a goal that the company will reach within a certain length of time.

However, goals aren’t the only thing that company vision maps are trying to attain. Company vision maps usually describe what the company does, who they are, and their overall company. The map is shown throughout the company as a way of showing employees what you’ve accomplished and where you’re going.

It’s meant to be inspiring and bring hope, knowing that each day every employee is working towards a bigger and greater goal.

Why Do Company Vision Maps Matter?

Now, you may ask yourself why this is important. Sure, maybe it helps to inspire your team, but couldn’t you do that yourself?

Well, the answer to that question is that yes, you could do that yourself, but that isn’t the only reason you’re creating a company vision map. Your map is setting goals and having a visual plan for your company.

Many people respond better to visuals then they do to either verbal or written plans. Often when we can see something, and have it all mapped out in front of us for us to see and follow, it’s easier for us to understand.

How Can I Create A Company Vision Map?

Creating a company vision map isn’t tough; it’s a little time consuming, but once you get started you’ll find that it’s easier then it sounds. Here’s a short breakdown of the steps.

• Pick Your Metrics​. Your first task is to choose what your success will be measured by. These first goals (or metrics) that you choose, will help you keep steady tunnel vision towards what you want to accomplish. For example, you could use revenue, growth of the team, and product sales as a way to measure your accomplishment and set a goal.

• Pick A Year Goal and Determine How Much You Want To Grow.​ Next, you need to choose a time frame and how much you determine nad want your company to grow within that time frame. For instance, you could say by 2025 you want your revenue up by 50%.

• Sketch Out Your Map. ​Third, you’ll want to choose a style or theme and sketch it out. This could be a space theme, a medieval theme, or something entirely different and personal to you. The sketching part, for all our non-artists folks, may seem a bit daunting, but it’s important to just have fun.

• Design Your Map. ​Once you have your sketch, you’ll be ready to send in your sketch to your designer. They’ll take the sketch, see your vision and bring it to life. They’ll send you back your first concept and you can ask for edits. You can keep tweaking the design until it’s up to par.

• Show Your Team.​ Lastly, it’s time to share your map with your team. Show them what you’ve created and the goal for the company. This part may seem a bit intimidating, but if you have a supportive team you may be thrilled at the response you receive.