Pain-Gain Map
The Pain-Gain Map is a strategic tool used to explore the motivations and decisions of a key individual, such as a customer or organizational leader. By mapping out this person's challenges and aspirations, teams can better tailor their presentations and value propositions to influence decision-making.
How to run it
- 1
Identify a key individual whose motivations and decisions you want to understand, and write their name or sketch their likeness on a wall or large paper.
- 2
Discuss the individual's pains: What challenges do they face? What fears or responsibilities weigh on them? Capture these on one side.
- 3
Explore the individual's gains: What are their aspirations and measures of success? How can they benefit from your offering? Document these on the opposite side.
- 4
Summarize and prioritize the top pains and gains to inform your strategic approach.
Tips
Encourage participants to empathize deeply with the key person, stepping into their shoes to understand their perspective.
Use open-ended questions to stimulate discussion and capture diverse viewpoints.
This method is particularly effective when preparing for important presentations or negotiations.
Variations
Consider using this method in conjunction with persona development for a more comprehensive understanding of target audiences. Alternatively, adapt the map for team dynamics by exploring internal stakeholders' pains and gains.
Where it fits
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Try it freeMethod descriptions on Workshop Weaver are original content written by our team, based on established facilitation practices. This method was inspired by work from Gamestorming.