Challenge

The primary tool selected to describe the challenge was visualisation. In the past it

had proven to be a powerful tool to use in order to obtain buy-in from the relevant

stakeholders pertaining to the gold exploration projects I manage. The reasoning

behind using visualisation as a tool is gain a common understanding of the situation

from various view points as then I allows me to generate the appropriate approach in

order to be effective towards obtaining buy-in. The stakeholders I work with range

between senior executives, local community leaders and contract managers, these

individuals are leaders in their own right and also have their own strategies and

agendas which they pursue. It is imperative that I obtain the required and relevant

information in order to strategically manage the stakeholders to effectively

communicate the context of what the current reality is and what the desired state would

be.

Selection

In order to effectively communicate, I used the visualisation tool, by doing this I made

the context tangible as it was key to communicate the complex problems associated

with mineral exploration to the stakeholders. By using visualisation as a tool I was able

to investigate the possibilities through visual thinking, as individuals interpret audible

communication differently in the minds therefore they may have a different visual

concept of the problem and how we want to solve it. I created colour coded 3-

dimensional (3D) models of the area to be explored for minerals to promote the

process of creative thinking.

Application

By reviewing the historical data I was able to identify patterns and anomalies in the

data, these I represented in a visual 3D form with specific colours to provide clarity.

Then I used the data to show positive correlations between specific mineral anomalies

and gold. This allowed for in depth comprehension of the project objective and allowed

the platform to be set for generating a map as to how we can effectively achieve this

whilst incorporating the specific requirements of each stakeholder in the process.

By clearly illustrating the area to be explored, along with the anomalies that would be

prime targets, all the stakeholders were able to comprehend the objective and I was

able to obtain buy-in from them. By establishing this platform we could then progress

forward to generate ideas as to how we can achieve it.

This, however, resulted in another challenge. This challenge was how to get the

various stakeholders aligned to achieve the objective. The objective was to explore for

gold in the area whilst effectively targeting prime spots to promote the production

phase of mining for gold, which would enrich the executive’s portfolio, the community

leaders could get their members employed and the contract managers could supply

the required resources to complete the exploration part and then focus on the mining

fleet requirements.

To align them, I used a second visualisation tool. This time round it was done by means

of using simple shapes to create a flow chart of the interaction and agreements

required. Each stakeholder had a specific shape, like a square, a circle and a triangle.

These were colour coded using the RAG acronym, red, amber and green. Red meant

an obstacle, amber a potential hindrance and green meant the interaction was

positive. This flow chart also align with key milestones on route to getting the project

off the ground. Within the subsections, if there was a red shape for the community

leaders, then we would discuss that concern and implement a collective

recommendation in order to change the shape to green. This was effective in

managing the stakeholders and ensuring collective bargaining on the manner in which

to proceed.

Insight

The insights generated from using the visualisation assisted me with being able to

effectively communicate an idea. Individuals are all unique and interpret audible

communication into pictures in their minds based on their background, expertise,

training and influencers. It is imperative that I mitigate this potential communication

barrier by clearly and visually illustrating it.

The usage of the design thinking tool to clearly define the what is and the what if

phases. By ensuring all stakeholders are aligned with what the current situation is and

fully comprehending the complexities and being able to simplify these by means of

using visualisation aids. Being able to obtain this and get the required buy-in and

commitment for the project, it makes the idea generation to describe the what wows

phase easier and then through using the second visualisation of how we function as a

collective to promote the what works phase.

Approach

For the next project, I shall incorporate the whole design thinking schematic with the

four phases as loops and then from there link it to the sections we as a collective need

to work through. I will spend more time on the graphical representation as the feedback

I received on it was constructive but needed some more detail and improved flow

mechanisms to smooth out the process.

Overall, I used the design thinking process in depth and start using it from the

commencement of the negotiations and meetings as I believe it will promote the rich

understanding of the project better.


Challenge The primary tool selected to describe the challenge was visualisation . In the past it had proven to be a powerful tool to use in order to obtain buy - in from the relevant stakeholders pertaining to the gold exploration projects I manage . The reasoning behind using visualisation as a tool is gain a common understanding of the situation from various view points as then I allows me to generate the appropriate approach in order to be effective towards obtaining buy - in . The stakeholders I work with range between senior executives , local community leaders and contract managers , these individuals are leaders in their own right and also have their own strategies and agendas which they pursue . It is imperative that I obtain the required and relevant information in order to strategically manage the stakeholders to effectively communicate the context of what the current reality is and what the desired state would be . Selection In order to effectively communicate , I used the visualisation tool , by doing this I made the context tangible as it was key to communicate the complex problems associated with mineral exploration to the stakeholders . By using visualisation as a tool I was able to investigate the possibilities through visual thinking , as individuals interpret audible communication differently in the minds therefore they may have a different visual concept of the problem and how we want to solve it . I created colour coded 3- dimensional ( 3D ) models of the area to be explored for minerals to promote the process of creative thinking . Application By reviewing the historical data I was able to identify patterns and anomalies in the data , these I represented in a visual 3D form with specific colours to provide clarity . Then I used the data to show positive correlations between specific mineral anomalies and gold . This allowed for in depth comprehension of the project objective and allowed the platform to be set for generating a map as to how we can effectively achieve this whilst incorporating the specific requirements of each stakeholder in the process . By clearly illustrating the area to be explored , along with the anomalies that would be prime targets , all the stakeholders were able to comprehend the objective and I was able to obtain buy - in from them . By establishing this platform we could then progress forward to generate ideas as to how we can achieve it . This , however , resulted in another challenge . This challenge was how to get the various stakeholders aligned to achieve the objective . The objective was to explore for gold in the area whilst effectively targeting prime spots to promote the production phase of mining for gold , which would enrich the executive ’s portfolio , the community leaders could get their members employed and the contract managers could supply the required resources to complete the exploration part and then focus on the mining fleet requirements . To align them , I used a second visualisation tool . This time round it was done by means of using simple shapes to create a flow chart of the interaction and agreements required . Each stakeholder had a specific shape , like a square , a circle and a triangle . These were colour coded using the RAG acronym , red , amber and green . Red meant an obstacle , amber a potential hindrance and green meant the interaction was positive . This flow chart also align with key milestones on route to getting the project off the ground . Within the subsections , if there was a red shape for the community leaders , then we would discuss that concern and implement a collective recommendation in order to change the shape to green . This was effective in managing the stakeholders and ensuring collective bargaining on the manner in which to proceed . Insight The insights generated from using the visualisation assisted me with being able to effectively communicate an idea . Individuals are all unique and interpret audible communication into pictures in their minds based on their background , expertise , training and influencers . It is imperative that I mitigate this potential communication barrier by clearly and visually illustrating it . The usage of the design thinking tool to clearly define the what is and the what if phases . By ensuring all stakeholders are aligned with what the current situation is and fully comprehending the complexities and being able to simplify these by means of using visualisation aids . Being able to obtain this and get the required buy - in and commitment for the project , it makes the idea generation to describe the what wows phase easier and then through using the second visualisation of how we function as a collective to promote the what works phase . Approach For the next project , I shall incorporate the whole design thinking schematic with the four phases as loops and then from there link it to the sections we as a collective need to work through . I will spend more time on the graphical representation as the feedback I received on it was constructive but needed some more detail and improved flow mechanisms to smooth out the process . Overall , I used the design thinking process in depth and start using it from the commencement of the negotiations and meetings as I believe it will promote the rich understanding of the project better .