Quick Learn: Living Memo - a Primer
Introducing a Living Memo as an artefact that captures the key data within the portfolio.
We have seen this artefact be helpful to move away from detailed Business Cases at the Project Level to Outcome definition for the Value Stream.
When used in annual planning, the Living Memo is the key planning artefact used to request Investment and Capacity / Capability to deliver agreed Outcomes and Work.
A key first step is to be able to visualise the portfolio of work in the system and to be clear on the outcome definition to support the shift from Output to Outcome.
Every quarter the Living Memo is checked and challenged through the Quarterly Cadence to review Delivery and Outcome progress. It enables alignment of work and capacity to the highest priorities for the upcoming quarter.
The Living Memo creates the connection between the 3-year, 1-year, quarterly outcomes and initiatives that the teams are delivering. This visualises the 'Golden Thread of Value.'
Note: When supported by tooling, this doesn’t need to be a separate artefact. It will be the data requirements you need to configure in the tool.
How to use this template:
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Create your Living Memo as part of your annual planning and quarterly cadence.
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Treat this as a Living Memo. This is something that can continue to be evolved and updated over time.
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Consider the format of how you will capture the information. Consider ease of communication with stakeholders and data capture / aggregation.
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Share links where others can learn additional context! Transparency and aligned understanding is essential.
For more information about how to adapt this template for your context, reach out to Maria Muir (maria@soonersaferhappier.com) or Mark Payne (markpayne@soonersaferhappier.com)
