For strategists, a good hypothesis is invaluable, both as a starting point and as a guide to help structure a good analysis. A hypothesis-driven approach is widely regarded as the gold standard in tackling problems where uncertainty and ambiguity make it difficult to identify obvious solutions. “What needs to be true?” (WNT) is a framework that highlights the power and importance of assumptions in strategic decision-making; thus, it is an essential complement to a hypothesis-driven mindset. It is meant to be an “everyday carry” tool in the strategist’s arsenal—something that is simple and compact enough to be quickly deployed on the fly. It is versatile and can be used as a reliable starting point for any evaluative exercise.
