Build a dynamic X Matrix that is better than Excel.
Connecting Strategies, Results, Actions, and Process metrics…. All in 1 page or less.
The X-Matrix, or x-type matrix is a popular tool for strategic planning. It can be useful for connecting the big picture with the “what” and the “who” will move the strategies forward.
The X Matrix quadrants are often referred to directionally like a compass
South / Bottom = Top-level Initiatives or Results Desired
West / Left = 2nd Level Initiatives or Strategies
North / Top = Projects and 3rd Level Initiatives
East / Right = Targets to Improve /Metrics
![newXDash](/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/newXDash-1024x379.jpg)
![xmatrixCompass](/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/xmatrixCompass.jpg)
Add a New or Existing Goal:
- 2 Options: Use the “+” button in the bottom quadrant, or the “+ Add Goal” button in the top right corner for top-level goals
![addXdashTwo](/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/addXdashTwo.jpg)
- Add New or Existing Goal Modal:
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- To display an existing goal, type the name of the goal in the input field and then select it from the search list below, then press “Update.”
- To create and display a new goal, click in the input field and type the name of the new goal, then press “Add New.
Add a New 2nd or 3rd Level Goal, Project, or Metric:
- Start by clicking on the parent goal or project to open its modal or page
- Add a new or existing goal/project/metric from within the modal or project page. It will then display on the X Matrix dashboard.
The X Matrix Dashboard will display all goals, projects, and metrics linked to top-level goals. To drill down to specific level 2 goal, create a new dashboard and set that goal as a level 1 goal.
Build a Level 1 X Matrix
4. Hover over a goal/project/metric to show the direct relationships
5. By default, links are created as strong relationships represented as solid circles. To create a weak relationship in the X Matrix Dashboard, double-click a solid dot or single-click an empty square.
1. Create a new X Matrix Dashboard
![newDashName](/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/newDashName.jpg)
2. Create a new top-level goal by typing in the name and “Add New”
![xdash-01b](/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/xdash-01b.jpg)
3. Click to open the top-level goal, create a new 2nd-level goal or link an existing one from the “Actions” dropdown
![xdash-02b](/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/xdash-02b-1024x261.jpg)
![xdashRel](/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/xdashRel.jpg)
Build a Level 2 X Matrix
1. Create a new X Matrix Dashboard
![xmatrixLevel2Demo](/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/xmatrixLevel2Demo.jpg)
2. Select the 2nd-level goals from the previous dashboard
![xdash2-02](/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/xdash2-02.jpg)
3. Change the quadrant headers to reflect the rotation of goal levels, click the default title to edit the text
![xdash2-06](/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/xdash2-06.jpg)
3. The users shown reflect the goal/metric owners or project leaders. Navigate into the team tab by clicking on the goal/project/metric to edit the users.
![xdash2-08](/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/xdash2-08.jpg)
![xdashProj](/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/xdashProj-1024x411.jpg)
3. The users will display in the the far-right, “who” section
![xdash2-05-min](https://www.kpifire.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/xdash2-05-min.jpg)
Create multiple X Matrix dashboards to rotate the views and drill down into lower-level goals
![xdashBoth2](/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/xdashBoth2-1024x496.jpg)