Dependency Mapping
Dependency Mapping helps teams proactively identify potential roadblocks and understand the impact of their project on other systems, fostering a collaborative approach to risk mitigation and project success. By visualizing dependencies, teams can create a shared understanding and develop effective management plans.
Use this method when starting a new project or initiative to identify potential risks, dependencies, and stakeholders early on, ensuring a smoother execution and minimizing unforeseen issues.
Solves: Lack of alignment between teams, Unforeseen project delays, Siloed thinking, Inadequate risk assessment
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Step 1: (5 min) Introduce the Dependency Mapping worksheet and explain each section: Systems Impacted, Risks and Mitigations, and Feedback Loops.
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Step 2: (20 min) Brainstorm and document all systems impacted by the project, including the owner, type of impact, and a detailed description.
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Step 3: (20 min) Individually brainstorm potential risks for 3-5 minutes, then share and document agreed-upon risks, their level of impact, mitigation plans, and owners.
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Step 4: (15 min) Develop a proactive management plan by identifying stakeholders, review cadence, and feedback notes/actions for each risk and dependency.
- Encourage open and honest discussion about potential risks, even if they seem unlikely.
- Ensure that owners are clearly assigned and have the necessary resources to manage their assigned dependencies and risks.
- Use different colored sticky notes to represent different types of dependencies or risks.
- Conduct the mapping exercise in multiple sessions to allow for more in-depth discussion.
- Incorporate a SWOT analysis into the risk assessment process.