5 underrated frameworks for strategy planning

One could drown in the sea of acronyms encountered going from OKR to GTM. At some point, we uber-abbreviated and over-processed everything to do with business, innovation, and growth strategy. 

But frameworks and mental models tend to stand the test of time.  

So as we head into fall and the final quarter of the year – planning season! – below are 5 of strategists’ most-trusted but least-talked about mental models to inspire your efforts and focus your thinking.
 

1. Wardley map

What it is: A visual tool for mapping your business landscape and analyzing your market.

How it works: Plots components by visibility and maturity to reveal strategic positions.

When to use: Perfect for understanding competitive environments and anticipating your strategic moves.

Other key info: Highlights evolutionary stages and dependencies to inform decision-making.

Watch out for: Complexity and subjectivity in mapping, which can result in misinterpretation or overconfidence in strategic moves.

Read more here.

2. Bowman’s strategy clock
What it is: A model outlining strategic positioning options.

How it works: Maps strategies based on price and perceived value.

When to use: Useful for assessing competitive positioning in the market.

Other key info: Highlights trade-offs between price and differentiation to guide your strategy.

Watch out for: Misdiagnosis of perceived value and pricing can lead to market rejection, brand dilution, loss of competitive edge, and/or eroded profitability.

Read more here.

3. Hoshin planning
What it is: A strategic planning methodology for aligning goals and actions.

How it works: Integrates long-term objectives with daily operations through a structured process.

When to use: Helps to coordinate your org for  consistent, aligned progress on strategic efforts.

Other key info: Focuses on clear communication and iterative improvement to ensure goal achievement.

Watch out for: An overly rigid process may stifle innovation or adaptation to unexpected changes.

Read more here.

4. VRIO framework
What it is: A tool for assessing your internal resources and capabilities.

How it works: Evaluates resources based on Value, Rarity, Imitability, and Organization.

When to use: Best for determining competitive advantage and resource-based strategy.

Other key info: Helps identify sustainable advantages that drive long-term success.

Watch out for: Overlooking external factors or failing to continuously reassess resources, which can lead to missed opportunities or competitive disadvantage.

Read more here.

5. Ansoff matrix
What it is: A strategic tool for exploring growth options.

How it works: Maps growth strategies across market x product combinations.

When to use: Ideal for evaluating business expansion paths.

Other key info: Balances risk and opportunity in market and product decisions.

Watch out for: Pursuing new markets or products without adequate research can lead to costly failures and resource drain.

Read more here.

Have any these worked well for you? Which feels most useful to leverage in 2025 planning? Let me know!

Victoria

BONUS!

To keep growing your strategy toolbox, check out Business Strategy Hub and The Strategy Story. Both free, and both a treasure trove of insights. You can also download a recap of all of these frameworks to save or share with your team here.

To start populating some of these frameworks with real, recent research on your market, competitors, or important dynamics at play, let’s kick off a project!