Strategic diagnostic
Produce in a few hours a structured strategic diagnostic that would take 1-2 weeks in classic mode.
Strategic diagnostic is when consultants bring most value: ask the right question, structure reflection, surface real stakes. AI can drastically accelerate the 'production' phase (applied frameworks, benchmarks, syntheses) but doesn't replace strategic thinking. Used well, it lets you go faster, deeper, multiplying analysis angles. This guide presents workflows multiplying expertise without short-circuiting judgment.
Step-by-step workflow
Frame the strategic question
Good diagnostic starts with right question. Have AI produce 5 possible reformulations of client question, identify which addresses real stake (often different from initial demand).
Choose relevant frameworks
Per context: Porter 5 forces, BCG matrix, Ansoff, McKinsey 7S, SWOT, PESTEL, Business Model Canvas. AI can propose adapted combination. Consultant validates per context knowledge.
Apply each framework
For each framework, have analysis produced from client data + industry benchmarks. AI is fast and structured. Human validation on judgments (competitive intensity, segment attractiveness).
Identify key insights
Beyond frameworks: what does the diagnostic really reveal? AI can help cross-check analyses between frameworks and identify patterns. The 'so what' stays human.
Formulate strategic options
From diagnostic, surface 3-5 strategic options, each with: stakes, success conditions, risks, indicators. That's what client pays for: from diagnostic to decision.
Copyable prompts
2 tested and optimized prompts. Adapt the bracketed variables [VARIABLE] to your context.
Multi-framework strategic diagnostic
You're a senior strategy consultant. For this mission: **Client**: industry [INDUSTRY], size [SIZE], competitive position [DESCRIPTION] **Strategic question**: [QUESTION] **Available data**: [LIST — financial, market, competitive, internal] **Business context**: [3-5 LINES] Apply these frameworks for complete diagnostic: 1. **Porter 5 forces**: competitive intensity, suppliers, customers, new entrants, substitutes. Score each force /5 with justification. 2. **SWOT**: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats (5 per category max) 3. **PESTEL**: relevant factors for industry 4. **Value chain (Porter)**: primary and support activity analysis 5. **Strategic synthesis**: what emerges? What are 3-5 structural stakes? 6. **3 strategic options** plausible, each with: description, success conditions, risks, monitoring KPIs. Mark [TO VALIDATE WITH CLIENT] any specific hypothesis requiring local input.
Strategic options identification
From this diagnostic: [DIAGNOSTIC] Identify 5 distinct strategic options: For each option: - **Description** in 3 lines - **Critical hypotheses**: what must be true for it to work? - **Required investment**: order of magnitude, duration - **Expected benefits**: chiffrés, per horizon (1, 3, 5 years) - **Major risks**: top 3 - **Success conditions**: capabilities to develop - **Failure conditions**: pivot or retreat signals - **Score**: attractiveness × feasibility (3x3 matrix) End with **argued recommendation**: which to choose, why, and which validation milestones to plan.
Top tools for this use case
Curated selection of the 3 best AI tools for strategic diagnostic.
Why for this use case: The best reasoning on complex strategic problems requiring multi-framework application and cascade reasoning.
Why for this use case: Essential for real-time benchmarks and competitive watch with verifiable sources.
Why for this use case: Excellence on structured strategic syntheses and producing long reports in business English.
Estimated ROI
Time saved
70-80% on analytical production (4-6h vs 1-2 weeks)
Quality gain
Multiple frameworks applied, systematic benchmarks, structured options
Stack cost
$30-50/month for the stack
Estimates based on 2026 benchmarks and user feedback. Actual ROI depends on your context.
Frequently asked questions
Can AI really produce a relevant strategic diagnostic?
For frame, framing, methodical framework application: yes, in hours. For strategic relevance (non-obvious insights, human/political context reading, industry intuitions): no, that's consultant's unique value. Winning combo: AI for production, expert for 'so what'.
Which frameworks work best with AI?
Structured frameworks (Porter, SWOT, PESTEL, BCG, Ansoff): very well, AI applies methodically. Fuzzier frameworks (jobs-to-be-done, design thinking, mental models): less well, require more judgment. Best practice: AI for structured rigor, human for creativity and depth.
Can AI replace a strategic committee?
No. Strategic committee involves debate, actor games, political arbitrations, stakeholder alignment. AI can prepare (notes, chiffrées options, objection anticipation), can't substitute collective decision engaging the organization.
What traceability for AI diagnostic?
Keep: used prompts, mobilized sources (with dates), raw AI versions, human modifications, client validations. Allows: (a) defendability in case of contest, (b) diagnostic re-execution in 12 months to measure evolution, (c) continuous prompt improvement.