Playing to Win Cascade
Reference model
A structured approach to defining strategy.
About this model
The Playing to Win framework, developed by A.G. Lafley and Roger L. Martin, outlines a structured approach to strategy formulation and execution.
Originator not stated.
How to read it
- Start from the top with winning aspirations and work down to the management systems.
- Ensure each layer aligns with the overall strategic intent.
What this does
Helps organizations define their competitive strategy by clarifying their winning aspirations, where to play, how to win, capabilities needed, and management systems required.
When to use it
Use it when a team needs to align its strategic direction and ensure all elements of the strategy are coherent and actionable.
Not when: Do not use it when the organization lacks clarity on its core purpose or when external factors are not considered.
What happens next
Develop a detailed action plan based on the defined strategy.
Golden thread
Builds on ←
- Market analysis
- SWOT analysis
Feeds into →
- Strategic action plan
Use this tool, free
Sign in to open the worksheet. Your work saves as you type, the AI can draft the parts you have not filled in, and you finish with an analysis and a 30/60/90-day action plan.
Drafted with AI and reviewed by Eccellere on 04/11/2026. Guidance, not advice: apply your own judgement.