Skip to main content

The Compass
FrameworkTM

Proven Ideas. One System.

Integrating proven business methodologies into one navigable system for strategic clarity and operational excellence.

Built on the foundational work of:
Clayton Christensen, Simon Sinek, Donald Miller, Patrick Lencioni, Shingo Institute & Proudfoot Consulting

Created by Ken H. Allman, II — a builder's synthesis after 25+ years of operating experience.

NESWJTBD

The Framework Overview

Four cardinal directions guide strategic business management, supported by two hemispheres of organizational excellence and powered by a central problem-solution engine.

N

NORTH

Strategy
Focus:
Mission, Vision, Purpose, Strategic Direction
Informed By:
Sinek's Golden Circle, Lencioni's Clarity
E

EAST

Tactics
Focus:
Planning, Strategic Marketing, Go-to-Market
Informed By:
Jobs to Be Done theory, StoryBrand®
S

SOUTH

Execution
Focus:
SOPs, Operations, Implementation, Delivery
Informed By:
Management Operating System principles
W

WEST

Results
Focus:
Metrics, KPIs, Analytics, Plan vs. Actual
Informed By:
Shingo scientific thinking, Lencioni results focus

Organizational Health Hemisphere

The "people infrastructure" that enables every direction.

Based on Patrick Lencioni's work:
  • Vulnerability-Based Trust
  • Healthy Conflict
  • Commitment
  • Accountability
  • Results Focus

From "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" and "The Advantage"

Operational Excellence Hemisphere

The "systems infrastructure" that enables every direction.

Based on The Shingo Model:
  • Respect Every Individual
  • Lead with Humility
  • Seek Perfection
  • Embrace Scientific Thinking
  • Focus on Process

And 5 more principles from the Shingo Institute

Problem/Solution Center Engine

1
Core
Jobs to Be Done
Christensen, Ulwick, Moesta
2
Purpose Layer
The Golden Circle
Simon Sinek
3
Execution Layer
Management OS
Proudfoot Consulting
4
Communication
StoryBrand SB7
Donald Miller

The Thought Leaders

The Compass Framework stands on the shoulders of giants. These thought leaders developed the methodologies that make this integration possible. We encourage you to study their original works.

Clayton Christensen

Tony Ulwick & Bob Moesta
Jobs to Be Done Theory

Understanding why customers "hire" products and services

Key Works: Competing Against Luck, The Innovator's Dilemma

Simon Sinek

The Golden Circle

Starting with WHY to inspire action

Key Works: Start With Why, Find Your Why, The Infinite Game

Donald Miller

StoryBrand

Clarifying your message so customers will listen

Key Works: Building a StoryBrand, Marketing Made Simple

Patrick Lencioni

Organizational Health

Building cohesive teams and healthy organizations

Key Works: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, The Advantage

Shingo Institute

The Shingo Model

Principles of operational excellence and enterprise alignment

Learn More: shingo.org

Proudfoot Consulting

Management Operating System

Barrier removal, process improvement, execution discipline

Source: Author's direct training and Alec Award experience

Origin Story

"These frameworks changed how I built companies. Their genius became my operating manual.

Clayton Christensen taught me to see through the customer's eyes. Simon Sinek grounded me in purpose. Donald Miller gave me clarity in communication. Patrick Lencioni showed me what healthy teams look like. The Shingo Institute embedded operational discipline. Proudfoot Consulting trained me in execution.

After 25+ years of building companies, I found myself reaching for all of these frameworks constantly — JTBD for customer insight, Golden Circle for purpose, Lencioni for team health, Shingo for operational excellence, StoryBrand for communication clarity.

I wanted them all at my fingertips, organized in a way I could navigate quickly. So I built a personal map — a compass that arranges these proven methodologies through the traditional strategic management paradigm of Strategy, Tactics, Execution, and Results.

Their genius made this possible. This is simply my way of carrying their work with me."

— Ken H. Allman, II

Ready to Dive Deeper?

Explore the full framework methodology and learn from the thought leaders whose work makes it possible.