Canvas library

The 3EO Map

Map the organizational operating system across strategy, performance, and execution layers

The problem this canvas solves

Traditional org charts show reporting lines but not how work actually gets done. In a platform organization, value creation happens through complex interplays between strategy-setting, performance integration, and execution across multiple autonomous units. The 3EO Map provides a visual operating system that shows how activities are coordinated among internal and external actors at each organizational layer, revealing gaps and misalignments in the current model.

When to use it

The 3EO Map shows how the four types of leadership (architecting, enabling, entrepreneurial, ecosystemic) address the three foundational processes (strategy, execution, performance) - a compact view of the organizational operating system, revealing how activities are coordinated among internal and external actors.

The canvas

The 3EO Map — Boundaryless new brand

The canvas in the updated Boundaryless brand (full resolution — click to zoom). A print-ready PDF and editable SVG are also available on request.

Canvas structure

Identifying the Strategy

Continuously choosing what to do, where to allocate resources and the directions of exploration

Valorizing and Integrating Performance

Setting objectives and orchestrating how the nodes reach them together through motivation, targets, incentives and value sharing

Architecting (Center)

Which actors, mechanisms and structures let desired dynamics and outcomes emerge coherently?

Performing Execution

Distributing and coordinating effort through natural leadership, decision making, collaboration and feedback

How to use it

Map how the four leadership types (architecting, enabling, entrepreneurial, ecosystemic) address the three foundational processes (strategy, execution, performance). Map the CURRENT operating model first (use two colors), then copy the map and repeat for the 3EO-inspired future design - the as-is/to-be gap is the output.

Steps

  1. Strategy Layer — Define who/what drives strategic direction and external engagement
  2. Performance Layer — Map how objectives are set and value is shared
  3. Architecting — Identify the structural mechanisms that enable coherent outcomes
  4. Execution Layer — Detail how work gets coordinated and done

Tips

  • Use as a diagnostic tool to identify gaps in current operating model
  • Map both formal and informal mechanisms
  • Consider how information flows between layers
  • Update as organizational experiments change the structure

Connections with other canvases

Feeds into

Informed by

Used in techniques

Used in pipelines

Resources

  • Guide reference: 3EO Toolkit User Guide - 3EO Map chapter
  • License: Creative Commons Attribution - Share Alike 4.0 International
  • Version: 1.0

Canvas · Part of 3EO Toolkit · v1.0