The 10 core building blocks for a strong Obeya

The 10 core building blocks for a strong Obeya

An Obeya helps organizations visualize complexity and make better decisions. But how do you make sure you include all essential aspects of your organization without getting bogged down in details or overlap?

This is where Strategic Capabilities come into the picture. By dividing an organization into 10 fundamental building blocks, based on the MECE (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive) principle, you create a structured and complete overview in your Obeya.

Want to learn more about MECE and Strategic Capabilities first? Then read our other article explaining why these principles are indispensable in your Obeya.

In this article we dive directly into the 10 MECE Strategic Capabilities and what they include.

The 10 MECE Strategic Capabilities

#1 – Customer & Market – How well do we understand and serve our customers?

Every organization is about creating value for customers and stakeholders. This includes:

  • Customer satisfaction and loyalty
  • Brand positioning and reputation
  • Market research and competitive analysis
  • Customer experience and service quality
  • International expansion

#2 – Employees & Skills – Do we have the right people and are we leveraging their expertise?

People make the difference in any organization. The strength of teams and individuals determines success. Consider:

  • Talent development and training policies
  • Leadership and team dynamics
  • Organizational culture and collaboration
  • Employee experience and retention
  • Diversity and inclusion

#3 – Finance & Earnings Model – How sustainable and profitable is our organization?

Financial health determines the stability and growth potential of an organization. This includes:

  • Profitability and cost control
  • Investment strategy and growth plans
  • Scalability and financial stability
  • Cash flow management and budgeting
  • Pricing and value creation

#4 – Product & Quality – How strong and innovative is our product offering?

What you offer determines your value in the marketplace. This includes:

  • Product development and innovation
  • Quality control and reliability
  • Customer feedback and product improvement
  • Modular and flexible product approach
  • Product lifecycle management

#5 – Processes & Efficiency – How smooth and effective are our internal processes?

Good processes ensure speed and scalability. Consider:

  • Operational excellence and optimization
  • Accelerating time-to-market
  • Working Agile and Lean
  • Automation of internal processes
  • Data-driven decision making

#6 – Technology & Digitalization – How well are we leveraging technology to innovate and work more efficiently?

Digital transformation is a key driver of growth. This includes:

  • IT infrastructure and systems integration.
  • Cybersecurity and data security
  • Cloud and AI applications
  • Digital transformation and platform thinking
  • IT governance and architecture

#7 – Supply Chain & Delivery – How effective and reliable is our supply chain and distribution?

A strong supply chain is essential for continuity and scalability. Consider:

  • Inventories and Just-in-Time management
  • Logistics and distribution network
  • Supplier management and supply chain optimization
  • Sustainability in the supply chain
  • Resilience and crisis management

#8 – Risk & Compliance – How well do we manage risk and comply with regulations?

Without managing risk, organizations cannot operate sustainably. This includes:

  • Regulation and compliance (compliance)
  • Cybersecurity and privacy protection
  • Financial risk management
  • Operational risk and safety
  • ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) obligations

#9 – Sustainability & Social Impact – How responsible and future-proof are we acting?

Corporate sustainability is not just about the environment, but also about long-term value. Think about:

  • Climate strategy and CO2 reduction
  • Circular economy and responsible business
  • Social impact and ethics
  • Stakeholder management and transparency
  • Governance and long-term value creation

#10 – Agility & Adaptability – How quickly can we respond to changes in market and environment?

In a rapidly changing world, flexibility is crucial. This includes:

  • Strategic agility and decision-making
  • Market and trend participation
  • Scenario planning and risk management
  • Learning and experimentation (Fail Fast, Learn Fast)
  • Organizational agility and agile mindset

How do you use these Strategic Capabilities in your Obeya?

Each organization needs a unique blend of these capabilities to be successful. Ask yourself:

  • What are we already strong at?
  • What capabilities are we missing or need to improve?
  • Which ones are critical to our future?

By setting up your Obeya on this MECE-based structure, you create a clear and complete overview of your organization.

Read more about how to apply this in an Obeya? Check out our other article: Make your organization visible with MECE and Strategic Capabilities in Obeya

Sources:

  • System Thinking: Managing Chaos and ComplexityJ. Gharajedaghi (2009)
  • The Pyramid Principle: Logic in Writing and ThinkingBarbara Minto (2009)
  • Fundamentals of StrategyGerry Johnson, Kevan Scholes & Richard Whittington (2009)