# Ecosystem maps, coalitions and skilled relationships

*Platform Strategy Designer Study Guide · Intangible Deliverables · Last updated November 2, 2026 · https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/platform-strategy-designer/intangible-deliverables/ecosystem-maps-coalitions-and-skilled-relationships*

Which relationships a challenge needs and how to build them: ecosystem mapping with stance colour-coding, a coalition of the willing through discovery, integration and partnership, team agreements and work styles, and Relationship Design for employees and communities.

- Certification: Salesforce Platform Strategy Designer
- Exam section: Intangible Deliverables
- Study guide: https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/platform-strategy-designer

**Official exam objective:**

> Given evolving internal dynamics, identify the key relationships needed to solve the challenge statement.

## What the exam expects

- Build an ecosystem map: who belongs on it (decision-makers, influencers, executives, teams removed from product development), their motivations, stance colours, and what the finished map reveals.
- Match an engagement tactic to a stakeholder's concern, and set realistic goals instead of converting everyone.
- Place coalition work in its phase (discovery, integration, partnership), read what a lack of interest signals, and add complementary skills.
- Create a team agreement, recognize work styles and apply the guidelines for skilled relationships.
- Apply Relationship Design to employee and community relationships, and involve builders, managers and users early.
- Key terms: **ecosystem map** (all key groups that influence a product or service); **influencer** (an internal individual with the power to shape how an idea is received); **coalition of the willing** (a mission-driven group of advocates, including sponsors and cross-functional members); **team agreement** (a job description for the whole team); **skilled relationship** (developing trust, inspiring others and solving problems together).

## Key facts

| Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Ecosystem map groups | Cross-functional teams, teams removed from development (finance), executive leadership | [Learn About Ecosystem Mapping](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/design-as-a-social-practice/learn-about-ecosystem-mapping) |
| Decision-makers | Sponsors who greenlight the project and approve how it works | [Learn About Ecosystem Mapping](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/design-as-a-social-practice/learn-about-ecosystem-mapping) |
| Stance colours | Red hesitant, yellow neutral, green supporter | [Learn About Ecosystem Mapping](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/design-as-a-social-practice/learn-about-ecosystem-mapping) |
| Viability concern | Answer with related case studies of long-term value | [Learn About Ecosystem Mapping](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/design-as-a-social-practice/learn-about-ecosystem-mapping) |
| Coalition phases, in order | Discovery, integration, partnership | [Build a Coalition of the Willing](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/design-as-a-social-practice/build-a-coalition-of-the-willing) |
| No one excited in discovery | Might not be the right idea or the right time | [Build a Coalition of the Willing](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/design-as-a-social-practice/build-a-coalition-of-the-willing) |
| Work-style categories | Tasks; coordination and communication; organizational activities | [Build Skilled Relationships](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/relationship-building/build-skilled-relationships) |
| Foundation for resolving conflicts | Active listening | [Build Skilled Relationships](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/relationship-building/build-skilled-relationships) |

## Check yourself

- Which three skills does a skilled relationship build on?
- Why does early ecosystem mapping save money?
- When a stakeholder's main draw is planning and advocating for resources, which work style fits?
- Why build a culture of critique among employees?

## Sources

- [Learn About Ecosystem Mapping](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/design-as-a-social-practice/learn-about-ecosystem-mapping)
- [Build a Coalition of the Willing](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/design-as-a-social-practice/build-a-coalition-of-the-willing)
- [Build Skilled Relationships](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/relationship-building/build-skilled-relationships)
- [Improve Relationships Using Design](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/relationship-design/improve-relationships-using-design)
- [Get Familiar with Relationship Design](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/relationship-design-for-ux-strategy/get-familiar-with-relationship-design)

## About the full unit

The "Core concepts", "Exam traps" and "Worked scenario" sections of this unit, its 17 linked practice questions, and unlimited timed mock exams are included with the Platform Strategy Designer pack (USD $19): https://www.certifyforce.com/practice-exams