5 models I swear by to be more strategic (especially when the stakes are high.) I wish I could tell you, "The smartest decisions I’ve made came from instinct." But that would be a lie. They came from having the right tool. At the right moment. No one has all the answers. And being strategic isn’t about pretending to. It’s about knowing how to think for the most impact. Here are 5 models I use to think more strategically: 🧠 SWOT Analysis See what’s working. Spot what’s holding you back. ➟ Use before: big moves or career pivots. 🔁 Second-Order Thinking Think past the obvious. Spot long-term impact early. ➟ Use when: decisions have ripple effects. 🛠 VRIO Framework Find your edge. Identify what sets you apart. ➟ Use to: pitch your value or prioritize strengths. 📐 McKinsey 7S Fix what’s out of sync. Align how you strategize, plan and act. ➟ Use when: progress stalls or things out of sync. 🎯 Impact vs Effort Matrix Work smarter, not harder. Focus where results are most impactful. ➟ Use when: you’re overloaded or stuck. Being strategic isn’t about knowing everything. It’s about knowing how to think when it counts. The right model can change how you lead, plan, and win. Reshare ♻️ to help someone in your network. And give me a follow for more posts like this. | 230 comments on LinkedIn