From Diagnosis to Collective Action: How the McKinsey 7S Framework Can Power Open Strategy

In a fast-changing world, organizations often face the same question: Why do so many well-designed strategies fail when it’s time to implement them?

The answer frequently lies in a hidden culprit — the lack of alignment between the core elements that make the organization work. This is where the McKinsey 7S framework becomes more than just a diagnostic tool. It can be the starting point for strategic conversations that are inclusive, transparent, and deeply engaging.

Originally developed in the 1980s by Tom Peters and Robert Waterman at McKinsey & Company, the 7S model identifies seven interconnected dimensions that must be in sync for an organization to perform at its best: Strategy, Structure, Systems, Shared Values, Skills, Staff, and Style. The first three are often called the “hard” elements — easier to define and document — while the remaining four are “soft,” harder to measure but equally decisive. The key insight is simple yet profound: when one element changes, the rest are inevitably affected.

Traditionally, organizations have used the 7S as a static snapshot, often confined to leadership teams or consultants. While this can highlight misalignments, it risks missing the lived experience and insight of those who are closest to the work — employees, partners, even customers. This is where open strategy changes the game, by inviting more voices into the process, turning diagnosis into dialogue, and creating alignment not just on paper but in people’s minds.

At Bluetools, we see the 7S as a bridge between rigorous analysis and collective action. Our platform, Summit, makes it possible to open up each “S” to broader participation, gathering real-time input from diverse groups, revealing patterns and areas of consensus, and prioritizing actions collaboratively. The result is a living strategy — one that reflects the organization’s reality and enjoys genuine commitment from those who will make it happen.

The McKinsey 7S reminds us that strategy is not a document; it’s a living system where every part influences the whole. When combined with open strategy principles and the right digital tools, it becomes a catalyst for alignment, engagement, and measurable impact.

Ready to experience how Summit can transform your strategic process? Get in touch with our team and start building strategies that people believe in — and act on. Learn more.