Task A5.5: Draw a Diagram Showing the Overlaps

What is Task A5.5?

Task A5.5 is part of the "Observe" phase in the Viability Canvas methodology, specifically within the "System Four - Outside and Then" step (Step A5). This task instructs you to "Draw a diagram showing the overlaps. This should be a separate diagram to visualize a specific situation: the interaction of different parts of System 4."

Purpose of Diagramming Overlaps

The purpose of this task is to visually map the interconnections and overlaps between different System 4 activities and responsibilities. This serves several important functions:

1. Integration visualization: Revealing how different future-oriented activities relate to each other
2. Coordination assessment: Identifying where collaboration is needed or occurring
3. Gap detection: Showing areas that might be disconnected from the broader system
4. Systemic understanding: Creating a holistic view of how System 4 functions as a whole
5. Communication enhancement: Providing a visual tool to discuss System 4 connectivity

By drawing a diagram of overlaps, you create a visual representation of how your organization's future-oriented activities interact, revealing both strengths and potential weaknesses in your System 4.

Understanding System 4 Overlaps

In the VSM framework, effective System 4 functions require appropriate integration across different activities and responsible parties. The overlaps between different aspects of System 4 are critical because:

• Environmental challenges often affect multiple areas simultaneously
• Effective adaptation requires coordinated responses
• Insights from different perspectives need to be combined
• Resources for future planning should be allocated systematically
• Disconnected System 4 activities can lead to contradictory strategies

The areas of overlap indicate how the various issues relate to each other and where collaboration may be needed. The central areas with multiple overlapping functions often represent the core concerns about the future.

How to Complete Task A5.5

To create an effective diagram showing System 4 overlaps:

1. Identify key System 4 elements to include in your diagram:
   • Major future-oriented activities
   • Key areas of responsibility
   • Significant environmental concerns
   • Primary strategic initiatives
2. Choose an appropriate diagramming approach:
   • Venn diagram (for showing conceptual overlaps)
   • Network diagram (for showing relationships and connections)
   • Matrix (for structured mapping of relationships)
   • Mind map (for hierarchical relationships)
3. Create the base structure of your diagram:
   • Position each major System 4 element
   • Ensure visibility and clarity
   • Use consistent visual elements
4. Map the overlaps and relationships:
   • Connect related activities
   • Show where responsibilities interact
   • Identify areas of potential synergy
   • Highlight central concerns that connect multiple elements
5. Analyze the resulting pattern:
   • Are there meaningful areas of overlap?
   • Do some elements appear isolated?
   • Is there a clear center of gravity?
   • Are there clusters of related activities?
6. Refine the diagram to enhance clarity and insight:
   • Adjust positions to better show relationships
   • Add explanatory notes or legends
   • Highlight particularly significant overlaps
   • Consider color-coding or other visual elements to add meaning

Example Application

For a manufacturing company like Canned Tornado, a System 4 overlap diagram might use a Venn diagram approach showing the relationships between:

• New product development
• Technology roadmapping
• Market research
• Competitive analysis
• Sustainability planning
• Digital transformation

The areas where these circles overlap would represent integrated concerns, such as how new product development relates to both technological evolution and market trends. The central area where multiple circles overlap might represent core strategic concerns affecting multiple aspects of the company's future.

If this diagram shows few overlaps, with activities appearing as separate circles, it would reveal a fragmented approach to System 4 functions with insufficient integration.

Interpretation and Implications

When analyzing your completed overlap diagram, consider these interpretations:

1. No overlaps: If the diagram shows little or no overlap between System 4 activities, this suggests a fragmented approach where different aspects of future planning operate in isolation. This is problematic as it can lead to contradictory strategies and missed synergies.
2. Limited overlaps: Some connection between activities but primarily separate operations suggests partial integration that may be insufficient for complex challenges.
3. Significant overlaps: Multiple areas of intersection indicate good integration of System 4 functions, allowing for coordinated responses to environmental changes.
4. Isolated elements: Activities that don't connect to any others represent potential blind spots or disconnected functions.
5. Central nexus: A core area where multiple activities overlap represents central strategic concerns that integrate various aspects of future planning.

The ideal pattern typically shows meaningful overlaps between related activities while maintaining appropriate differentiation of specialized functions, creating a balanced, integrated System 4 that can effectively navigate the organization's future.