Whilst we pride ourselves on our creative smarts as strategists, getting to that winning strategy is not always as simple as it seems. There’s usually a framework we can use to help unpack and or guide our thinking to that endorphin releasing aha moment, and as a new strategist in the game, feeling the need to lean on frameworks is a natural go-to.
Finding one that’s fit for purpose though is a feat in itself, and it’s never advisable to use a framework just for the sake of it. I’ve often found myself wondering, is there a framework for this? Does it need one?
Not relying on frameworks puts the onus on the strategist to do the heavy lifting. But ultimately, this is our job as strategists, to clearly define a problem, and offer elegant solutions to tackle it. While this process may require some creativity and intuition, it ultimately comes down to finding the most precise and compelling way to express the solution. Rather than trying to force-fit a strict formula, refining and iterating on initial ideas until they become sharp and impactful is a tried and true foundational method.
In short, there’s no silver bullet framework that will help with developing a strategy and it’s okay to not have a framework arsenal up your sleeve. Successful strategy is often more of an art than a science; you’ll know it’s right when what you’ve written truly excites you.
Source: Mark Pollard