Is SWOT analysis the best strategic framework?

Do you have your favorite strategic framework? Is this a SWOT analysis? This is normal today!

SWOT analysis is 70 years old. It originated in the USA in the mid-1950s. It is used by millions perhaps tens of millions of people around the world. It works reliably and safely.

When you ask globally successful strategists about SWOT analysis, they answer something like Roger L. Martin: “SWOT analysis has become a monstrous time-waster with little or no added value. It needs to be thrown into the junkyard of the history of strategy. “

There are more reasons. The biggest one? SWOT analysis will not give you any new fundamental insights that you did not know before you started doing SWOTK! It's a waste of time. It is a waste of time to study foreign SWOTKs.

What about that?

Find a better strategic framework! For us they are Wardley Maps.

Just because something is better for us doesn't mean it will be better for you. At the same time, we repeatedly see that Wardley maps bring cues that we would never get from a SWOT analysis.

“You changed my view of the world. “
- Honza Mayer (today Managing Director CZ/SK Heureka Group)

What are Wardley maps?

A strategic framework that allows you to discuss the business situation.

• Wardley's maps are visual. You see the playing field and you can talk about it.
• Wardley maps out looking to the future. Because the world of business is evolving.
• Wardley Maps start with the user and his needs. Without them, you don't do anything reasonable, even if you're good at it.

Wardley's maps have drawbacks. Logically.

• They disrupt the power status quo. Less enlightened managers hate them. They can fire you because of them because you jeopardize their normal procedures.
• Maps are not simple. You will grope the first hundred maps. Then you get the strategic insight that pays for all the energy put in.
• They require thinking. And that hurts. You, your colleagues, your superiors. The map doesn't tell you what to do.

Simon Wardley gave the maps to the world under a Creative Commons license. You can start learning them today with his Unfinished books.

Or you can accelerate your start with maps and other modern strategic frameworks on our training Strategic thinking.