by Tyler de la Plaine, PhD, CPM
Making complex, high-stakes decisions can be intimidating—especially when outcomes are uncertain and the pressure is intense. In military operations, particularly during wartime, timely and accurate decisions can determine survival. Similarly, in the world of business, the ability to make swift and informed decisions often marks the difference between success and failure.
To support business owners and organizational leaders in navigating these challenges, Dr. de la Plaine developed a robust decision-making and strategic planning framework called STEAME—Strategic Tactics for Envisioning, Actualizing, Measuring, and Evaluating. STEAME is a Dynamic Actualization Decision Model (DADM) using a comprehensive, 10-step process designed to help leaders make high-impact decisions, craft strategic plans, and implement them effectively.
The STEAME model guides users through the full decision-making and execution 10-step lifecycle:
1. Determine and Specify – Clearly define the issue, goal, or challenge.
2. Research – Gather relevant data and contextual information.
3. Analyze – Examine the data using structured qualitative and quantitative methods.
4. Assess – Evaluate the implications and connections within the findings.
5. Strategize – Design a targeted, actionable plan aligned with organizational goals.
6. Envision – Mentally simulate success and foster stakeholder alignment.
7. Actualize – Implement the plan using effective leadership and communication.
8. Measure – Monitor progress using defined metrics and feedback tools.
9. Evaluate – Interpret results and assess the plan’s overall effectiveness.
10. Adjust – Refine the strategy based on outcomes, lessons, and emerging needs.
With STEAME, leaders are equipped to make informed, confident decisions that drive meaningful, measurable outcomes—even in the most uncertain environments.
Step Seven Actualize
Execute the strategic plan across all stakeholders and human systems by applying leadership, communication, and motivational approaches that align with the specific context and tasks at hand. Choose leadership styles—such as transformational, autocratic, or coaching—based on the needs of the situation, the team, and the desired outcomes.
Ensure clear, consistent communication with all involved parties. Clearly articulate what is being implemented, what changes are taking place, why they matter, and how each stakeholder is expected to contribute. This transparency builds trust, fosters buy-in, and promotes a sense of ownership at every level of the organization.
Simultaneously, implement supporting or peripheral initiatives related to the systems and sub-systems identified in the broader plan. These elements act as safeguards or create valuable synergies that reinforce the core strategy and strengthen organizational resilience.
Maintain leadership and stakeholder engagement to the organizational and unit levels by providing ongoing encouragement, recognizing effort, and reinforcing the shared vision. Celebrate each success checkpoint—no matter how small—as a meaningful milestone. These moments energize teams, sustain momentum, and reinforce progress toward the larger goal.
By thoughtfully leading the implementation and cultivating a collaborative, motivated environment, organizations can translate strategy into action and generate lasting, positive change.
Tyler de la Plaine, PhD, CPM
Founder and Principle Consultant
Thrive Venture Consulting: bringing people and ideas together