The Video Training Series

The STOT Framework

I want to introduce a framework that has been helpful to me as an executive coach. The STOT framework is a structure that allows me to layer and understand the different elements of a client’s planning or unpack the issues they are facing.

The framework is made up of four primary categories: strategic, tactical, operational, and transactional.

Strategic is related to the vision, mission, and objectives of where we are going. Tactical is how we make that happen and when we are going to do that. Operational is taking the strategic understanding and driving it into specific objectives, structures, systems, and processes. Transactional is the day-to-day tasks and activities that create results and outcomes.

When I think about the STOT framework, I often frame it from that one word question.

  • Strategic is the big “why” behind what we are doing.
  • Tactical is the “how” and “when” we are going to accomplish that goal.
  • Operational is the “what” we are going to do to support the “why, how and when”.
  • And transactional is the “who” is going to do the tasks and activities to create the results and outcomes.

I want to give this framework to you because it’s helpful to understand the different elements of a business. It’s important to understand the “why” behind your big, hairy, audacious goal. The “how” and “when” you are going to accomplish that goal, the “what” you are going to do to support the “why”, and the “who” is going to do the tasks and activities to create the results and outcomes.

By understanding this framework, you can make better decisions and create a structure that allows your business to function seamlessly.