What each stage produces
The artefacts we actually leave behind — inspectable enough to challenge, brief enough to use.
A working note
The same situation, held four ways. None of them is a default stack.
SITUATION The operating model has more tools than owners. Work still moves through inboxes. PRESSURE Leaders want a technology decision this quarter. Teams cannot absorb another platform. OPEN QUESTIONS What is the actual constraint? Which systems must remain? Is AI required, or is the process the issue?
The stages
| Stage | Name | What it produces |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Understand | Situation reading: work, systems, people, constraints |
| 02 | Define | Problem statement, non-goals, what would count as better |
| 03 | Explore | Options compared on fit and risk, including doing less |
| 04 | Structure | Architecture, owners, sequence |
| 05 | Move | First actions and a review rhythm |
| — | Hold | Context and judgement through the work, not only at the start |
The method is only useful in a real situation
If something is under pressure and the next move is unclear, start there.