The Next Next Common Sense
Facilitator David Sibbet describes this collaborative approach:
"We often begin strategic discussions by having teams literally draw their business landscape—mountains, riv- ers, forests, weather patterns—representing key industry features. Different team members naturally emphasize different landscape elements, creating a richer composite picture than any individual could develop alone. This visual collaboration becomes a powerful foundation for strategic dialogue."
This collaborative approach leverages diverse perspectives while cre- ating shared reference points that enhance communication and alignment.
7. Balance Consistency and Evolution
Landscape imagery should be consistent enough to provide stable refer- ence points but flexible enough to evolve as conditions change. Rigid landscape metaphors quickly become outdated in dynamic business environments. Pixar's Ed Catmull describes this balance:
"We think of our creative landscape as a river system that maintains consistent flow while constantly changing course. The fundamental creative principles—character, story, visual quality—remain constant, but how we nav- igate these principles evolves with each film. We want enough consistency that people know they're in 'Pixar country' but enough evolution that they're always dis- covering new terrain."
Regular "landscape reassessment" exercises help maintain this bal- ance between consistency and evolution. Periodically ask: What features of our landscape have changed? What new elements have emerged? What previously important features have diminished in significance?
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