What, How, Why

It provides context to your team, continuity through your business, and a future focus all at the same time.

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Knowledge Brief

1. Introduction to What, How, Why Framework

The What, How, Why framework is a strategic approach commonly employed by startups to provide context, continuity, and future focus to their endeavors. It serves as a foundational tool for guiding decision-making, setting strategic direction, and ensuring alignment across all aspects of the startup's operations. The framework prompts teams to delve deeper into the fundamental aspects of their business, namely what they do, how they do it, and why it matters.

2. Importance of What, How, Why Framework

  • Clarity and Direction: The What, How, Why framework provides startups with clarity and direction by clearly defining their core purpose, strategic objectives, and value proposition. By answering fundamental questions about what they do, how they do it, and why it matters, startups can establish a clear roadmap for their operations and strategic initiatives.
  • Alignment and Focus: By articulating the what, how, and why of their business, startups can ensure alignment across all levels of the organization and focus their efforts on activities that drive value and impact. The framework serves as a unifying force that aligns teams, resources, and initiatives towards common goals and objectives.

3. Related Knowledge

  • Scope: Scope defines the boundaries and objectives of a project or initiative. The What, How, Why framework complements scope by providing a deeper understanding of the purpose and rationale behind project goals, helping teams prioritize tasks and allocate resources effectively.
  • Ideation and Brainstorming: Ideation and brainstorming are essential processes for generating innovative ideas and solutions. The What, How, Why framework serves as a guiding framework during ideation sessions, helping teams evaluate and refine ideas based on their alignment with strategic objectives and value proposition.

4. Interconnectedness with Related Knowledge

The What, How, Why framework is closely interconnected with related knowledge areas such as scope, ideation, and brainstorming. By understanding the fundamental aspects of what, how, and why, startups can establish clear boundaries and objectives for their projects (scope), generate innovative ideas aligned with their strategic goals (ideation), and evaluate and refine those ideas effectively (brainstorming).

5. Implementing What, How, Why Framework Strategy

  • Define Core Components: Start by defining the core components of the What, How, Why framework for your startup, including the what (purpose and objectives), how (strategies and tactics), and why (value proposition and impact).
  • Communicate and Align: Communicate the What, How, Why framework to all stakeholders within the startup and ensure alignment across teams and departments. Encourage ongoing dialogue and collaboration to refine and reinforce alignment with strategic objectives.

6. Conclusion

In conclusion, the What, How, Why framework serves as a powerful tool for startups seeking to establish clarity, alignment, and focus within their organizations. By articulating the fundamental aspects of what they do, how they do it, and why it matters, startups can define their strategic direction, prioritize activities, and drive sustainable growth and success. Implementing the What, How, Why framework enables startups to navigate complexity, make informed decisions, and create value in competitive markets.