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Organizational Chart
By RISE Business Framework · Created by Gary Harper and Brandon McCurdy · Reviewed
An organizational chart is a diagram of a company's structure. It shows departments, roles and the chain of command, so it is easy to see who has authority over which areas. In RISE, you build it as an exercise on a blank canvas, starting with the key seats at the top.
How RISE does it
- Creates structure and defines roles and responsibilities.
- Shows how departments relate and the chain of command within each one.
- Supports goal setting, project planning, decisions, resource allocation and progress tracking.
- Built on a blank canvas, seeded with a list of common executive titles.
- Treated as a dynamic map that evolves as the business grows.
Organizational Chart is one of four tools in Talent Accountability, part of the Resources quadrant of the RISE Business Framework.
The RISE tool
Common titles to seed your chart
The workbook lists these titles to help you name the seats at the top of your chart.
- 1Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- 2Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- 3Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
- 4Chief Operations Officer (COO)
- 5Chief Strategy Officer (CSO)
- 6Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)
- 7Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
- 8Chief Digital Officer (CDO)
- 9Chief Data Officer (CDO)
- 10Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)
Not every business needs every title. Use the ones that match your seats.
“Creating an effective organizational chart is like solving a puzzle. Start with the key pieces at the top, and the picture of success will become clearer.”Gary Harper
AI RISE Coach
Work through Organizational Chart with the AI RISE Coach
“Walk me through Organizational Chart in the RISE Business Framework and help me apply it to my business.”
Quick self-check
“We assign ownership for each process in the business to a single team member so accountability is clear.”
Frequently asked questions
How do I make an organizational chart for a small business?
Start with the key seats at the top, such as CEO, then add each department and the chain of command beneath it. RISE has you build it on a blank canvas so it reflects your real structure.
How often should an org chart be updated?
Update it whenever roles, reporting lines or the team change. RISE treats the org chart as a dynamic map, not something cast in stone.
The other tools in Talent Accountability
- Process Ownership ChartA four-tier chart that names who innovates, leads, manages and owns each core process.
- Process CommitmentFour questions asked of each team member to confirm they are committed to their seat.
- Succession PlanningScore each critical role on five risk criteria and address any role totaling above 10 now.
Related in another quadrant: Process Execution
