Organizational Decoder Workbook
Read the hidden org chart. Map the real power network around your initiative, run validation experiments, and build coalitions that land decisions faster.
Created by Brian Benitez. Want help applying it? Book a free intro call.
- A practical “trust architecture” with a measurable Trust Account formula and ledger
- The 3‑layer org model (visible, shadow, emergent) + mapping exercises
- Power node identification: Gatekeeper, Historian, Kingmaker, Veto, Accelerator, Oracle (+ shadow operators)
At a glance
Who it’s for
Senior PMs, Staff/Principal PMs, and new product leaders pushing work through complex orgs where the official chart isn’t the decision map.
How it works
Pick one initiative as your lens. Spend 60–90 minutes mapping, then run the guided sprint (30–60 minutes/day) to validate power nodes and build influence.
What you’ll get
Worksheets (trust ledger, coalition kit, influence planner), power‑node checklists, experiments to validate assumptions, and a monitoring system to track org shifts.
Common questions
Is this “politics”?
It’s decision navigation: understanding how outcomes happen so you can reduce friction, align stakeholders early, and avoid surprises.
How long does it take?
You can map your power network in under 90 minutes, then run the five‑week sprint in 30–60 minutes per day alongside normal work.
What are “power nodes”?
They’re roles that shape outcomes regardless of title—like Gatekeepers, Kingmakers, and Veto holders—plus shadow operators who amplify or draft narratives.
What if I’m new and don’t have much trust yet?
Start with the trust “deposit” behaviors and quick wins in your core circle. The workbook includes a Trust Account Ledger to track momentum and earn credibility before you make bigger asks.
How do I identify power nodes without looking political?
Use the workbook’s experiments (float test, quick win delivery, coalition catalyst). They’re framed as execution and alignment, not “power mapping,” and they reveal influence patterns naturally.
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