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 Eight Measure The Progress
Track progress by continuously collecting data that reflects how well the strategic plan is advancing. Use established monitoring tools—such as key performance indicators (KPIs), verbal and written feedback, surveys, and visual or physical data—to evaluate outcomes in real-time. These metrics, identified in Step 5, serve as benchmarks for assessing effectiveness and identifying areas for improvement.
Communicate and display progress through accessible platforms like dashboards, periodic reports, shared spreadsheets, or online systems. These tools promote transparency and keep all stakeholders informed and aligned.
Establish feedback loops that support a strong accountability structure. Implement cross-monitoring systems, including cross-functional or matrixed teams, to ensure that multiple perspectives are considered and that oversight remains dynamic. These collaborative monitoring efforts help detect challenges early, reinforce responsibility, and capture emerging developments as the initiative unfolds.
By maintaining a responsive and well-integrated measurement system, the organization can adapt proactively, celebrate milestones, and stay aligned with long-term strategic goals.
Tyler de la Plaine, PhD, CPM
Founder and Principle Consultant
Thrive Venture Consulting: bringing people and ideas together