Why strategies are often difficult to understand
If connections, priorities, and initiatives are not made visible, strategy remains abstract for many within the company.
Strategies are complex—and difficult to communicate
In many companies, an enormous amount of work goes into developing a strategy. Leadership teams define goals, initiatives, and programs—often over the course of months.
These strategies are usually well-thought-out and well-founded.
And that is precisely the challenge: they are complex.
When this information is communicated within the company, something else often happens: employees listen to presentations, read strategy documents, and end up with only a vague sense of what it all means.
“We’re changing somehow.”
The connection between individual initiatives remains unclear. Departments only partially understand their role, and discussions tend to revolve around interpretations rather than implementation.
So the problem rarely lies in the absence of strategies.
It often lies in how they are communicated.
Why presentations are often insufficient
Viele Strategien werden hauptsächlich über Pr äsentationen oder Dokumente kommuniziert.
Das Problem dabei: Strategien sind selten linear. Sie bestehen aus verschiedenen Handlungsfeldern, Initiativen, Abhängigkeiten und Entwicklungen.
In Folien oder Textdokumenten werden diese Zusammenhänge meist getrennt dargestellt. Mitarbeitende verstehen einzelne Maßnahmen – aber nicht das Gesamtbild.
Gerade bei strategischen Veränderungen führt das zu typischen Fragen:
• Wie hängen die Initiativen zusammen?
• Warum hat dieses Projekt Priorität?
• Was bedeutet die Strategie konkret für meinen Bereich?
Ohne einen gemeinsamen Überblick bleibt Strategie schwer greifbar.
How visual strategy maps can help
This is precisely where the potential of visual strategy maps lies:
They make visible what would otherwise remain abstract.
Visual strategy maps—often in the form of a “big picture”—take a different approach. They don’t focus on individual measures, but rather on the bigger picture.
Instead of explaining individual initiatives in isolation, a strategy map shows the entire system at a glance:
• strategic areas of action
• key initiatives
• connections between areas
• development steps over time
This allows teams to understand more quickly:
• how their work contributes to the overall goal
• what priorities have been set
• how different topics are connected.
This doesn’t simplify strategy—it structures it in a way that’s easy to understand.
We describe how such a map is created step by step in the article
👉 How a Big Picture Is Created
A shared vision for strategy
When organizations use a strategic visual, it creates a shared point of reference for discussions. Leaders can explain connections more easily, teams can discuss specific scenarios depicted in the visual, and strategic topics become more tangible.
The image serves not only as a presentation slide but also as a working tool for communication, workshops, and discussions.
Strategy thus becomes something people can talk about together—rather than a document that is read once and then filed away.
We show how such images are used in everyday life in the article
👉 How to use a Big Picture in your company
Conclusion
Strategies are complex—and that is precisely why they are often difficult to communicate.
Visual strategy maps make a decisive difference here. They translate strategic relationships into a shared visual representation that both leaders and teams can understand.
When people see the bigger picture, it leads to better discussions, clearer priorities, and a shared understanding of the company’s direction.
This doesn’t just explain the strategy—it makes it tangible.
Frequently asked questions about Big Pictures
What exactly is a "Big Picture"?
A Big Picture is a visual representation of complex topics such as corporate strategies, processes, or visions. It summarizes all the important information in a single, easy-to-understand graphic that clearly shows connections and processes.
For what purposes can I use a Big Picture?
Big Pictures are versatile: for internal communication (employee onboarding, strategy workshops), external communication (customer presentations, marketing), training, change management, and for visualizing complex projects.
In what formats is the Big Picture delivered?
We deliver your Big Picture in various formats: as a file for use in all digital channels, as a high-quality large print for your premises, as an animated video for presentations or online channels, and as an interactive Click Picture with info boxes for digital applications.
How long does it take to develop a Big Picture?
The duration depends on the complexity of the topic and the desired scope. After an initial consultation, we will create a detailed schedule and a transparent cost overview.
How is the Big Picture adapted to our company?
Every Big Picture is unique. We work closely with you to accurately reflect your specific content, corporate design, and corporate world. The process involves several coordination steps.
Do you also offer a free initial concept?
Yes, gladly. As part of a free initial consultation, we can also discuss the possibility of developing a non-binding initial concept for your specific topic so that you can get an idea of the possibilities.
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