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Table of contents

PART A: Core principles

Principles behind the 6×2 methodology

  • Common intranet problems and barriers
  • Struggling to deliver big improvements
  • Creating an upwards spiral
  • Six months at a time
  • A new metaphor
  • Problem solving
  • Tangible and visible
  • Culture change vs deliverables
  • Benefits of the 6×2 methodology

Don’t forget the intranet manager

Gaining mentoring support

PART B: The 6×2 methodology

Work guide for the 6×2 methodology

  • Preliminary needs analysis
  • The 6×2 methodology at a glance
  • Step 1. Give the intranet a version number
  • Step 2. Scope the first six months
  • Step 3. Determine a new version number
  • Step 4. Review the in-scope list
  • Step 5. Create a detailed project plan
  • Step 6. Sketch out the following six months
  • Step 7. Create an executive briefing
  • Step 8. Create an ‘intranet concept
  • Step 9. Implement the six-month plan
  • Step 10. Review the project outcomes
  • Continuing the process

PART C: The 6×2 methodology in detail

Step 0. Preliminary needs analysis

  • Don’t ask staff what they need
  • Avoid gathering a wish list
  • Structured techniques
  • Summary of needs analysis techniques
  • Staff and stakeholder interviews
  • Workplace observation
  • Contextual inquiry
  • Surveys
  • Focus groups
  • Planning the needs analysis
  • Selecting staff
  • Amount of research required
  • Protecting confidentiality
  • Using personas
  • Strategic input
  • Making use of the results

Step 1. Give the intranet a version number

Step 2. Scope the first six months

  • Overview of the scoping process
  • 2.1 Organise a scoping workshop
  • 2.2 Identify criteria
  • 2.3 Identify constraints
  • 2.4 List content and functionality ideas
  • 2.5 Evaluate ideas based on criteria and constraints
  • 2.6 Compile agreed list of activities and enhancements
  • Other notes on the scoping process
  • Case study: new intranet in a small government agency

Step 3. Determine a new version number

Step 4. Review the in-scope list

  • Explaining the approach taken
  • Gaining further strategic input
  • Revising the scope
  • Finalising the list
  • Case study: startup intranet project

Step 5. Create a detailed project plan

Step 6. Sketch out the following six months

Step 7. Create an executive briefing

  • Preparing for the presentation
  • Executive presentation
  • Document format
  • Later six-month periods

Step 8. Create an ‘intranet concept’

  • Intranet goals: too short
  • Intranet strategy: too long
  • Creating an intranet concept
  • Choosing when to use the intranet concept
  • Intranet concept (narrative format)
  • Creating a regional intranet
  • Intranet concept (brochure format)
  • ‘Elevator pitch’

Step 9. Implement the six-month plan

  • Identify concrete activities for each team member
  • Avoid scope creep
  • Hold regular meetings
  • Keep contact with staff
  • Communicate extensively
  • Celebrate wins
  • Work on relationships within the team
  • Actively look for issues
  • Agree on a change process

Step 10. Review the project outcomes

Where does strategy fit in?

End-to-end case study

A final word on delivering successful intranets