Foundational Thinking

Quick Start: Use This Framework in 15 Minutes

Body:

1. Pick a current strategic question (e.g., “Should we expand into new markets?”).
2. Write the challenge in one clear sentence.
3. Move through the steps below with short bullet responses.
4. Define one iteration to test this week.

Result Line:
You’ve just run a strategic review that is grounded, not opinionated.

A Repeatable Method for Strategy Execution

A framework is a pattern that helps you see what matters and act with clarity. Rather than chasing trends or reacting to competitive noise, this approach embeds strategic clarity at the core of your decision process.

Step 1: Define the Strategic Challenge

Clarity begins with a well-stated problem, it needs to be without defense, wishful thinking, or rationalization.

Prompt Block:

• What specific outcome are we trying to change?
• What is happening now that should not continue?
• What is not happening that must begin?

Output:
Leave this step with a one-sentence strategic question.

Step 2: Understand: Clarify Business Context

Before acting, understand the beliefs, assumptions, and context shaping your current strategy.

Prompt Block:

• What assumptions are baked into our strategy?
• Which metrics drive decisions, are they the right ones, and why?
• What beliefs about our market, customers, or capabilities are untested?

Output:
You should have a clearer picture of the current strategic assumptions.

Step 3: Identify: Levers and Constraints

Strategy succeeds or fails by where you focus. Separate what drives outcomes from what distracts.

Prompt Block:

• Which drivers have the greatest impact on outcomes?
• What constraints limit strategic progress?
• Where is leverage most effective?

Output:
You should have a prioritized set of strategic drivers and constraints.

Step 4: Iterate: Test and Learn

Strategy is not static. Strategic advantage grows through iteration — defined, tested, and refined action.

Prompt Block:

• What is one strategic adjustment we can test now?
• How will we measure impact?
• What time horizon will guide evaluation?

Output:
You should leave this step with one strategic iteration to test this week.

Your Outcome

This framework yields strategic clarity, prioritized actions, and tested iterations — not endless planning but disciplined adaptation.

Example: Product Line Expansion

Situation:
A mid-size company considers expanding into a new product line but lacks clarity on customer need and internal capability.

Understand:
Reframe assumptions: Are current customers asking for this product? Are internal capabilities aligned with the promise?

Identify:
Drivers: customer demand, competitive positioning, integration costs.
Constraints: production capacity, unit economics, brand fit.

Iterate:
Test a limited pilot offering in a small market segment. Measure purchase intent, retention, and cost structure.

Outcome:
Rather than a full rollout, the business identifies a viable segment with strong economics and adjusts strategy for a staged expansion.

Apply This Framework to a Business Strategy Today

If you’re seeking clarity and tested strategic direction, for your business, team, or products, you can apply this process yourself or with support.