Strategic Framework Map: Choose the Right Tool Based on Organizational Complexity

Stop Chasing the Hype: Why the "Hottest" Framework is Probably the Wrong One for Your Team.

Most of the teams jump into different frameworks because they read an article or a blog post, which assures them that they will be successful just because of using that framework.

This causes many people to jump into what is hot at the moment, or whichever framework the first article they found is talking about. And don't get me wrong, I think frameworks are great, they can help teams to find ways to address needs they have, no matter if it's to set processes, prioritize, or define a strategy.

What I want to help you with today is to really start getting familiar with what the possibilities are, in terms of frameworks, and which potentially suit you best.

To do this, I created a map that lists some of the most popular frameworks, and they are rated against three variables:

• Strategic vs. Tactical (Y-axis): This separates vision (frameworks that help you define where to play and how to win) from implementation (frameworks focused on execution and delivery).
• Organizational Complexity (X-axis): Measures whether the framework is best suited for a small, simple organization (left) or a scaled, complex enterprise (right). Adopting a flexible framework in a complex organization is a recipe for organizational chaos.
• Reach & Breadth (Bubble Size): The size of the bubble indicates if a framework is a foundational discipline that naturally stretches across the strategic/tactical divide (like KPI Trees), or if it's specialized for its immediate position.

Now here is the map, with 49 frameworks charted:

How do you interpret this chart:

• Top-Left (Strategic & Low Maturity): Foundational frameworks for early-stage clarity (e.g., initial market sizing).
• Top-Right (Strategic & High Maturity): Integrated frameworks for portfolio management and competitive benchmarking.
• Bottom-Left (Tactical & Low Maturity): Quick-win frameworks for project execution and efficiency in a less complex environment.
• Bottom-Right (Tactical & High Maturity): Operational frameworks for integrating complex systems across large organizations.

An interesting finding when plotting these frameworks was that there are a lot of frameworks created for tactical work and simple organizations. Strategic frameworks are a bit biased towards work in complex organizations. And tactical frameworks for complex organizations are not very common.

Ready to stop guessing and start building a balanced system?

Go and download my free eBook: The Leader's Strategic Operating System,.It uses this map to help you diagnose your specific organizational gaps and identify the exact framework you need next.

I am still developing this map, so if you have any feedback, just reach out: [email protected]