Getting Started with Game Plans

How to introduce Game Plans to your function or team

When you first start using Game Plans it is useful to frame how they will be used.

This article suggests some framing for Game Plans as well as a high level agenda for running a Game Plan workshop within a team.

It's useful to read the article What are Game Plans? before reading this article.


How to frame getting started with Game Plans 

  • We are learning: We will start and improve as we go – the first minimum viable Game Plan will look quite different to the one we will have in a few quarters.
  • We take an outcome-based perspective and work with cross-functional teams (not necessarily reflecting our organization structure).
  • Game Plans will be drafted together with the team and ideally with our most important stakeholders.
  • There is freedom to plan within the specified guardrails.
  • Whilst there may be some topics that are mandatory to have for each function or team - there is freedom to share context that is relevant for them or their stakeholders – one size may not fit all.

If this feels like a huge change, use the Transformation Canvas to get started


How to get started with Game Plans

Run workshops with each function/team to best understand how Game Plans work and contribute to delivering the organization strategy.

Game Plan Workshops

Team-level workshops, facilitated by team manager

Workshop agenda using Digital Facilitation & Mural/Miro/Whiteboard

  • Context-sharing: Share the organization annual strategic drivers and any higher level game plans (these will be used as a baseline for function/team game plan).
  • Establish a common understanding within the team for using Game Plans.
  • Goal setting for the upcoming period (OKRs).
  • Identify potential obstacles and challenges (Interlocks) to achieving the goals.
  • Finalize and operationalize remaining Game Plan components (ask for facilitation support if necessary).
  • Clarify and capture remaining game plan aspects and SPOCs (ideally even done before workshop).
  • Operationalize game plan with leader.
By the end of the workshop your Game Plan will need:
  • OKRs for the coming three months
  • Interlocks identified, prioritized, and assigned to an owner.
  • Methods and commitments specified with owners and time frames.


Post workshop steps:

  • Update Game Plan elements and OKRs in TG.
  • Review Game Plan components alongside OKRs in weekly or biweekly follow-ups.