One area that I have always struggled with is visual prioritization. In fact, I really don’t have an effective system of prioritization when it comes to my task list. If you took a peek, you would see about 75% of my tasks marked “showstopper” priority, and the rest marked “major” (these are two of four levels that are defaults within my project management system).
There is nothing on my list with a low priority. We all know that is a bunch of bunk, especially when you consider that I use my task list for everything from work to-do’s, to volunteer tasks, to family reminders. If my task list priorities were accurate, then sending client invoices would have the same importance as cutting my son’s fingernails. Hmmm, not quite.
Mentally, I have a good handle on my priorities, hence the reason I’m able to remain (relatively) sane. But visually, I have a mess on my hands that tends to stress me out. So one of my goals as part of my business spring cleaning this month is to rework the prioritization process for my task list.
Let’s Make an Example Out of Me
Prioritization is a very personal process, and it can change at any time as your goals, situation and responsibilities change. But for the sake of argument, we’re going to use my task list as an example and apply a military-based system to see if it can help me reorganize my visual priorities. My goal is to create a prioritization system that is realistic to what my true priorities are and reflects what I know to be most important. Hopefully, it will help me become more productive and less stressed every time I look at my to-do list.The CARVER Matrix Explained
The CARVER Matrix is a system that was developed by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War to assess specific threats. The goal of the CARVER Matrix is to determine what assets should be applied to neutralize a threat, using as few resources as necessary to do it. The acronym, CARVER, stands for Criticality, Accessibility, Recuperability, Vulnerability, Effect and Recognizability. You can see the complete military explanation of each of these factors here. As a threat is assessed, each CARVER factor is assigned a number that represents the desirability of attacking the target. After all targets are placed in the matrix and the cumulative values are assessed against other independent criteria, the target with the largest number is identified as the highest value target, making it the most advantageous to focus on. See this post on Giajinass for more on the CARVER Matrix and how it can be used as a tactical assessment tool. (Giajinass is also credited with inspiring me to see how I can use CARVER to improve my prioritization system.)CARVER and Me
While I am not aiming to defuse damaging threats (well, sometimes I guess that does apply!), I can still use the CARVER matrix to help me assess and then visually assign the real priorities. My next post will take a handful of my current tasks, apply the CARVER Matrix factors with revised and more applicable definitions, then move each task back into my project management system with a new visual priority. Is prioritization a challenge for you, too? How do you manage it? Image credit: John-pFrequently Asked Questions about CARVER Matrix
What is the historical background of the CARVER Matrix?
The CARVER Matrix was initially developed by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War as a tool for target selection. The acronym stands for Criticality, Accessibility, Recuperability, Vulnerability, Effect, and Recognizability. Over time, it has been adapted for use in various fields, including business, to help prioritize tasks and resources.
How does the CARVER Matrix differ from other prioritization tools?
Unlike other prioritization tools, the CARVER Matrix takes into account a wide range of factors, including the criticality of the task, its accessibility, the ability to recover from a failure, its vulnerability, the potential effect of its completion, and its recognizability. This comprehensive approach allows for a more nuanced and effective prioritization process.
Can the CARVER Matrix be used in non-military contexts?
Yes, the CARVER Matrix has been successfully adapted for use in a variety of non-military contexts, including business and project management. It can be a useful tool for any situation where there is a need to prioritize tasks or resources based on a range of factors.
How does the ‘Effect’ factor in the CARVER Matrix work?
The ‘Effect’ factor in the CARVER Matrix refers to the potential impact of a task’s completion. This could include the potential benefits, the potential harm, or any other significant outcomes. This factor is important in helping to prioritize tasks based on their potential impact.
What does ‘Recognizability’ mean in the context of the CARVER Matrix?
Recognizability’ in the CARVER Matrix refers to how easily a task or target can be identified. In a military context, this could refer to how easily an enemy target can be identified. In a business context, it could refer to how easily a task or project can be recognized as a priority.
How can the CARVER Matrix help in decision making?
The CARVER Matrix can help in decision making by providing a structured and systematic way to prioritize tasks or resources. By taking into account a range of factors, it can help to ensure that the most important tasks are prioritized and that resources are allocated effectively.
Can the CARVER Matrix be used in conjunction with other prioritization tools?
Yes, the CARVER Matrix can be used in conjunction with other prioritization tools. It can provide a useful additional perspective and can help to ensure that a wide range of factors are taken into account in the prioritization process.
How does the ‘Vulnerability’ factor in the CARVER Matrix work?
The ‘Vulnerability’ factor in the CARVER Matrix refers to the susceptibility of a task or target to disruption or failure. This could include the potential for technical failures, human error, or other factors that could impact the successful completion of the task.
What does ‘Accessibility’ mean in the context of the CARVER Matrix?
Accessibility’ in the CARVER Matrix refers to how easily a task or target can be reached or accessed. This could include physical accessibility, as well as factors such as the availability of necessary resources or the presence of any barriers to completion.
How does the ‘Criticality’ factor in the CARVER Matrix work?
The ‘Criticality’ factor in the CARVER Matrix refers to the importance of a task or target. This could include its importance to the overall mission or project, its potential impact on other tasks or resources, or any other factors that make it a priority.
Alyssa GregoryAlyssa Gregory is a digital and content marketer, small business consultant, and the founder of the Small Business Bonfire — a social, educational and collaborative community for entrepreneurs.
