Decision · advanced · 30 min

Impact Prioritization Matrix

Prioritize potential sustainability initiatives based on their impact and feasibility. This method helps participants make informed decisions about which initiatives to pursue, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and that the most impactful projects are prioritized.

What participants gain

  • Identify potential sustainability initiatives.
  • Assess the impact and feasibility of each initiative.
  • Prioritize the initiatives based on their impact and feasibility.
  • Develop a plan to implement the prioritized initiatives.

Materials needed

  • Whiteboard or large paper
  • Markers of different colors
  • Impact/Feasibility matrix template
  • Post-it notes
  • Timer

How to run Impact Prioritization Matrix, step by step

  1. 1. Introduce the concept of impact prioritization and the impact/feasibility matrix.
  2. 2. Divide participants into small groups (3-5 people).
  3. 3. Ask each group to brainstorm potential sustainability initiatives.
  4. 4. Have each group assess the impact and feasibility of each initiative.
  5. 5. Each group plots the initiatives on the impact/feasibility matrix.
  6. 6. Each group presents their prioritized list to the larger group.
  7. 7. Facilitate a discussion about the plan to implement the prioritized initiatives.
  8. 8. Document the key insights and action items.

Facilitator tips

  • Provide clear criteria for assessing impact and feasibility.
  • Encourage participants to be realistic about the resources required for each initiative.
  • Use a visual matrix to illustrate the prioritization process.

Common challenges

  • Participants disagree about the impact or feasibility of initiatives - Facilitate a discussion to reach a consensus, using data and evidence to support claims.
  • Discussions become too focused on individual preferences - Focus the discussion on the overall goals of the sustainability strategy.
  • Participants get stuck on assigning causes - Review the root causes and ask for evidence.

Running it virtually

Use a virtual whiteboard or online spreadsheet to create a shared prioritization matrix. Participants can vote on the impact and feasibility of each initiative using virtual voting tools.

Expected results

Participants will create a prioritized list of sustainability initiatives based on their impact and feasibility. They will have a clear understanding of which initiatives to pursue and how to allocate resources effectively.

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