Logic Model Canvas: Building Alignment

A Logic Model is used by leadership teams to build awareness, commitment, and investment in the organization’s strategic initiatives, goals, and values. Logic Models are also used to build alignment and troubleshoot potential gaps between vision, strategy, and outcomes achieved.

Each part of the model is crucial and helps to illustrate the benefit and impact of everyone’s contributions. The details included in an organization’s logic model will depend on the scope of initiatives illustrated.

With the Logic Model Canvas it may be recommended to focus on smaller projects first. As the tool is mastered the leadership team can map out larger systems as the connections between the organization’s mission, strategy, assets, and goals are better understood.

The simplest way to describe the logic model is to break it down to three primary components: The problem statement; the inputs; and the goals. Each of these in turn can be broken down into more items that help the organization identify, evaluate, and execute its mission.

The organization’s mission is to solve a core customer problem. In competitive environments, the way in which a given organization solves this problem must be unique and significant in order for the organization’s business model to remain sustainable (and competitive).

When the organization’s mission statement is properly aligned with a legitimate problem statement (a statement that reflects the problem that needs a solution) the justification for the organization’s product & service offerings is strengthened. Stakeholders are more invested and customers are better served as well.

Every employee contributes to the organization’s ability to reach its goals. Every step, action, and decision made contributes to the effectiveness, efficiency, and relevance of the organization’s logic model.

The organization’s policies, procedures, and leadership philosophy thus determine the values realized. Human, administrative, and other technical assets become interdependent in their pursuit of shared goals.

The more organizations are able to improve the linkages between vision, inputs, and outcomes the more effective the customer, stakeholders, and employees will be served and supported. It is the ideas, values, and vision of the people who support the logic model that makes the difference. Investing in their performance and involvement is well worth the effort.