🪧 Why This Matters

Step 1 clarified the terrain. Step 2 decides what must hold across it.

This step helps you name:

• the outcome you are protecting,
• the boundaries you will not cross,
• what can flex,
• and the strategic posture you are taking in response to the future.

Keep it clear, specific, and grounded.

🎯 Part 1: Higher Intent

In one sentence write the outcome you are responsible for protecting or enabling.

This is not a vision statement, marketing, or a list of activities. It is the outcome you are accountable for, even when pressure increases.

Pressure Test Your Statement

Refine the higher intent statement if needed

⚓ Part 2: Anchors and Flex

Anchors

Anchors are the boundaries you will not cross to protect your higher intent. Under pressure, confusion usually comes from not knowing what is fixed and what is open to change.

They reflect values, responsibilities or boundaries.

Examples:

• Safety thresholds
• Legal or Te Tiriti obligations
• Long-term financial viability
• Trust commitments
• Professional standards
• Core values expressed as non-negotiable behaviours

If everything is non-negotiable, you haven’t prioritised.

Values in action

Te Tiriti & Cultural Integrity Check

Revise if needed before moving on.

Flex

Once anchors are clear, everything else becomes adjustable.

Examples:

• Delivery model.
• Sequencing.
• Resourcing.
• Partnership configuration.
• Timeframes.

🎯 Part 3: Strategic Posture

Strategic posture is the stance we take in response to the shifts, signals, tensions, and exposures shaping our future.

It is the role we choose to play, and the capabilities we must grow, while staying anchored to what we must protect and flexible in how we pursue it.

Strategic Orientation Matrix

Using the 3–5 priority shifts, signals, tensions, or exposures from Step 1, complete one row for each.

How to Use This Table

For each shift or signal:

1. Name the shift or signal clearly.
2. Describe the future you are deliberately shaping in response.
3. Choose one primary role.
4. Be explicit about why it’s worth committing to.
5. Identify the muscle you must build.

If the capability column feels vague, the strategy is not yet real.

📌Part 4: Summary and alignment check

Summay

Strategic Alignment Check

Pause and sense-check how this aligns with the commitments in Step 1, including:

• values,
• vision,
• mission,
• purpose,
• and aspiration.

If the posture feels aligned, that is a sign the strategy has coherence.

If tensions or misalignments appear, revisit the foundational commitments before moving on.

🤖 AI Assist (Optional)

Use AI to challenge clarity, not to write your intent for you.