Business thinking, without the MBA wank
Use the thinking models you already know.
You have probably come across SWOT, PESTEL, Three Horizons or Why–How–What somewhere along your business journey. This is a useful reminder that they are still there when you need to get your head straight and choose a direction.
Choose a model ↓These short versions help you see the next sensible move. They do not replace financial, legal, safety or specialist advice. If you want help turning the thinking into working systems, submit a business review and I can help sort the implementation with you.
What are you trying to work out?
Direction check
Three Horizons
Start with the current reality, describe the near future you are aiming for, then name the longer-term future you actually want. Add what is changing around you so the plan is grounded in the real world.
Reality check
SWOT, made practical
This is not a presentation slide. Use it to make a call: protect the strengths, fix the weaknesses, test the opportunities and keep an eye on the threats.
Make it clear
Why · How · What
A simple way to explain the point of the business without hiding behind jargon. It can help with a website, a team conversation, a proposal or a decision about what not to offer.
Outside forces
PESTEL, without the lecture
PESTEL looks at political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal factors. You do not need an essay. A few honest notes can show what deserves a closer look before you spend money or change direction.
Move towards the goal
Drivers & restraints
Put the goal in plain English, then separate what will move you towards it from what will slow you down. This free version keeps the thinking to now and future state. The deeper third step is the work of turning the gap into a plan.
Root-cause check
Stop patching the symptom.
The Five Whys is a straightforward way to get past the top-line issue or opportunity. Write the answer, ask why again, and keep going until you reach a cause you can actually influence. Five is usually enough—but ask again if the answer is still a symptom.
Good thinking still needs a bit of doing.
These models help you name the problem and choose a sensible next move. They deliberately stop short of doing the full implementation for you. Complete the one that fits, then use its implementation link if you want help turning your notes into a working process, system, online setup or team habit.