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The Framework

The Compass Framework is a business integration system that organizes six proven methodologies -- Jobs to Be Done, Start With Why, StoryBrand, Organizational Health, the Shingo Model, and Management Operating System -- into four cardinal directions (Strategy, Tactics, Execution, Results), two hemispheres (People and Systems), and a central Problem/Solution Engine. Created by Ken H. Allman, II, it gives leaders one navigable map for the frameworks they already use.

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Cardinal Directions

Four paradigms guiding strategic business management

The Hemispheres

Two dimensions of organizational excellence that enable all four directions

Organizational Health Hemisphere

Based on the work of Patrick Lencioni

The "people infrastructure" that enables every direction. Healthy organizations outperform their competitors because they have minimal politics, minimal confusion, high morale, high productivity, and low turnover.

The Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team:

  1. 1
    Vulnerability-Based Trust
    Team members feel safe being open about mistakes and weaknesses
  2. 2
    Healthy Conflict
    Unafraid to engage in productive ideological debate
  3. 3
    Commitment
    Clarity and buy-in around decisions
  4. 4
    Accountability
    Willingness to call peers on behaviors that hurt the team
  5. 5
    Results Focus
    Collective outcomes above individual goals

For the complete methodology: See Patrick Lencioni's "The Advantage" and "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team."

Operational Excellence Hemisphere

Based on The Shingo Model

The "systems infrastructure" that enables every direction. Sustainable results come from ideal behaviors, which flow from principles. Excellence requires systematic focus on respect, improvement, and alignment.

The Ten Guiding Principles:

Cultural Enablers:

  • Respect Every Individual
  • Lead with Humility

Continuous Improvement:

  • Seek Perfection
  • Embrace Scientific Thinking
  • Focus on Process
  • Assure Quality at Source
  • Improve Flow & Pull

Enterprise Alignment:

  • Think Systemically
  • Create Constancy of Purpose
  • Create Value for the Customer

For the complete methodology: Visit shingo.org and explore Shingo Institute resources.

Problem/Solution Center Engine

Four integrated layers connecting customer needs to organizational delivery

1

Layer 1: Jobs to Be Done (Core)

Developed by Clayton Christensen, Tony Ulwick, Bob Moesta

What "job" is the customer hiring your solution to do? Understanding functional, emotional, and social dimensions of customer progress.

"People don't buy products — they hire them to make progress."

2

Layer 2: The Golden Circle (Purpose)

Developed by Simon Sinek

WHY: Your organization's purpose aligned to the customer's job

HOW: Your differentiating processes and values

WHAT: The products/services that deliver the job

3

Layer 3: Management Operating System (Execution)

Informed by author's Proudfoot Consulting training

  • Barrier identification and removal
  • Operating processes and SOPs
  • Metrics, measurements, management cadence
4

Layer 4: StoryBrand (Communication)

Developed by Donald Miller

The 7-part framework for clear communication:

  1. Character (Customer as Hero)
  2. Problem (External, Internal, Philosophical)
  3. Guide (Your brand with Empathy + Authority)
  4. Plan (Clear steps to success)
  5. Call to Action (Direct + Transitional)
  6. Avoid Failure (Stakes)
  7. Achieve Success (Transformation)

Continue Your Exploration

Discover the thought leaders and original works behind these integrated methodologies.