The same principles that make graphics a powerful facilitation tool make them an essential communication vehicle as well.
It’s common knowledge that lack of alignment results in wasted effort, friction and lost opportunities. Sometimes divergence indicates a need to bring conflicting viewpoints to resolution. But often people are merely confused: they can’t see the “big picture” or where they fit in. When the topic is complex, systemic and unfolding over time, having a graphic that shows the whole and the detail is invaluable. You wouldn’t give verbal directions to someone going on a long trip, would you? No, of course not – they need a map of the territory.
