Scientific Definition
Plot value chain components against their evolution from genesis to commodity — strategy becomes visible.
Plain-English Definition
Plot value chain components against their evolution from genesis to commodity — strategy becomes visible.
Feynman Explanation
Most strategy is verbal. Wardley turns it into a map you can be wrong about.
Core Principle
Plot value chain components against their evolution from genesis to commodity — strategy becomes visible.
Mechanisms
Pending editorial review.
Plot value chain components against their evolution from genesis to commodity — strategy becomes visible.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Why outsourcing a 'core' capability is often correct — it's no longer core, it's commodity.
Inputs (Triggers)
Pending editorial review.
Outputs (Behaviors)
Pending editorial review.
Behavioral Signature
Most strategy is verbal. Wardley turns it into a map you can be wrong about.
Examples
- Simon Wardley's mapping work at Canonical and across UK government digital service.
- Why outsourcing a 'core' capability is often correct — it's no longer core, it's commodity.
Pending editorial review.
Famous Experiments
Pending editorial review.
Design Principles
- Map before you strategize. The position of each component dictates the right play (build/buy/outsource).
Measurement Approaches
Pending editorial review.
Evidence
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
The Perverse Incentive Lens™
How this behavior is exploited — and how to redesign around it.
- Map before you strategize. The position of each component dictates the right play (build/buy/outsource).
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Interactive Mini Network
Click any neighbor to re-center the graph and follow the threads of connection.
Knowledge Graph Neighbors
Auto-linked to the rest of the Human Behavior Taxonomy by family, domain, dimension, and shared keywords.
Basics first (health/finances), then depth (mastery/impact), then altruism (widening circle).
A problem whose solution requires people to change their values, beliefs, or habits — not just apply expertise.
Holding a different — and correct — set of tools than everyone else.
Someone who incites others to take illegal or rash action, often to expose or discredit them.
Sun Tzu's ancient treatise on strategy, deception, and positioning.
Conflict between belligerents with very different resources and tactics.
Start from the desired future and work backward to the steps that make it inevitable.
Winning the disputed population, not just defeating the visible opponent.
Countering hostile narratives with truthful, well-timed alternatives.
Sort situations into Clear, Complicated, Complex, Chaotic, or Confused — each needs a different response.
Eroding the will to act, even when capacity remains.
Munger's principle: the surest way to get something is to deserve it.