WHAT THIS IS

This short self-assessment helps you test whether what you have is a strategy — or simply a plan.

It’s based on Roger Martin and A.G. Lafley’s well-known Strategy Choice Cascade from Playing to Win.

It’s a simple but powerful tool used by strategists and leaders worldwide to clarify what really drives success.

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WHY IT MATTERS

Most teams and individuals think they have a strategy when they actually have a to-do list.

A true strategy makes deliberate choices — about where to focus, how to win, and what to prioritise.

Without one, effort scatters, energy drains, and results depend on luck rather than intent.

These are some other things:

• Alignment and focus
• Confident, fasterdecisions
• Greater impact with fewer distractions

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HOW TO USE THIS TOOL

Take 10–15 minutes to work through the five cascading questions below. You can apply them to your business, team, project, or even your life strategy.

Write down your answers honestly — if you can’t answer clearly, that’s your signal that your “strategy” needs work.