McKinsey 7S Framework

Align Your Organization for Success

What is the McKinsey 7S Framework?

The McKinsey 7S Framework is a model for analyzing organizational effectiveness by examining 7 interdependent elements. All 7 elements must be aligned for optimal performance.

For content creators, this helps you ensure all parts of your business work together harmoniously— from your strategy and systems to your team and company culture.

Hard Elements (easier to define)

• Strategy: Plan to achieve goals
• Structure: Organization hierarchy
• Systems: Processes and workflows

Soft Elements (harder to define)

• Shared Values: Core beliefs
• Style: Leadership approach
• Staff: People and capabilities
• Skills: Competencies

Progress Step 1 of 8

Step 1: Shared Values (Core)

What are your organization's core values and beliefs? This is at the center of the framework.

Define Your Shared Values

Example: "Provide high-value free content" | "Build in public" | "Community over algorithms"

Step 2: Strategy

What's your plan to achieve competitive advantage and reach your goals?

Your Strategy

Example: "Dominate AI productivity niche via YouTube + Newsletter → Monetize with courses"

Step 3: Structure

How is your organization organized? Who reports to whom?

Your Structure

Example: "Founder → Part-time editor → Freelance designer | Flat, collaborative"

Step 4: Systems

What processes and workflows do you have in place?

Your Systems & Processes

Example: "Monday: research | Wed: film | Fri: edit & publish | Automated email nurture sequence"

Step 5: Style

What's your leadership and management style? How do you operate?

Your Leadership Style

Example: "Transparent communicator, involve contractors in planning, give creative freedom"

Step 6: Staff

What people and capabilities do you have?

Your Staff & People

Example: "Solo + 2 contractors | Gap: need marketing specialist | Retain via profit-sharing"

Step 7: Skills

What distinctive competencies do you and your team have?

Your Core Skills

Example: "World-class video editing" | "Deep AI expertise" | "Authentic personal brand"

Your McKinsey 7S Model

Here's your complete organizational alignment:

Style

Strategy

Staff

Structure

Shared Values

Systems

Skills

Alignment Check:

• All 7 elements should reinforce each other
• Identify misalignments (e.g., strategy requires skills you don't have)
• When changing one element, consider impact on others
• Shared Values at center should guide all decisions

Explore More Frameworks

Value Chain Analysis

Map where you create value in your business

Try This Tool →

Business Model Canvas

Design your complete business model

Try This Tool →

SWOT Analysis

Analyze your strategic position

Try This Tool →

Back to All Frameworks