Combining Runes

Implementing workforce automation that will eliminate certain roles

Use Rigor to analyze which tasks can be automated effectively, calculate ROI, and validate technical feasibility. Apply Human to design transition support, preserve dignity, create retraining pathways, and ensure the change aligns with organizational values around people.

A technically sound automation strategy that treats affected employees with respect, provides genuine support for transitions, and maintains organizational culture and morale.

Resolving a product roadmap dispute where engineering wants technical debt reduction, sales wants new features, and support wants bug fixes

Use Clarity to identify the single most important outcome (e.g., 'sustainable growth'). Apply Converge to find initiatives that serve multiple goals simultaneously—like architectural improvements that enable faster feature development while reducing bugs.

A unified roadmap that satisfies core needs of all stakeholders by finding convergent solutions rather than compromising or choosing sides.

Deciding whether to launch a new product category in an emerging market

Use Synchronicity to assess current market conditions, competitor moves, and internal readiness. Apply Propensity to analyze market trajectory, technology adoption curves, and whether early entry provides lasting advantage.

A timing decision that balances immediate opportunity with long-term positioning—knowing when to move fast and when to wait for better conditions.

Defining company culture and values during rapid growth

Use Identity to articulate core values and non-negotiables that define your organization. Apply Authenticity to ensure these values are expressed genuinely in policies, communications, and daily behavior—not just aspirational statements.

A culture that feels real and consistent because it's rooted in actual identity and expressed authentically, not copied from other companies or designed to impress.

Designing a flagship product experience that must be both beautiful and functional

Start with Muse to envision the ideal experience—what emotions should it evoke, what story does it tell, what makes it memorable? Then apply Forge to build it with craftsmanship, ensuring the vision is realized with technical excellence.

A product that feels inspired and carefully crafted—not just functional but delightful, with both aesthetic appeal and solid execution.

Deciding whether to invest heavily in a new technology platform

Use Rigor to test claims about the technology—validate performance benchmarks, assess maturity, analyze constraints. Apply Propensity to evaluate adoption trajectory, ecosystem momentum, and whether early investment creates lasting advantage.

An investment decision grounded in both current evidence and informed projection of future direction, avoiding both hype-driven mistakes and missed opportunities.

Responding to investor pressure for aggressive growth that would require cutting corners

Use Vitality to assess whether the proposed pace is sustainable—will it exhaust the team, deplete resources, or create technical debt that cripples future capacity? Apply Authenticity to evaluate whether the approach aligns with stated values and can be defended honestly.

A growth strategy that's both sustainable and authentic—perhaps slower than investors want, but defendable and maintainable without sacrificing integrity or health.

Redesigning a complex enterprise software interface that users find overwhelming

Use Human to deeply understand user frustrations, workflows, and what they're actually trying to accomplish. Apply Clarity to strip away unnecessary features and focus on the essential tasks that deliver value.

A simplified interface that feels intuitive because it's designed around real human needs, not feature checklists.

Building a platform that must serve multiple user types with different needs

Use Converge to find the common architecture that can serve all user types—identifying shared needs beneath surface differences. Apply Forge to build that unified platform with quality and extensibility.

A single platform that elegantly serves diverse needs through thoughtful architecture, rather than bolted-together separate systems.

Diagnosing why a business unit is underperforming despite strong market conditions

Use Rigor to gather and validate data on performance metrics, market conditions, and operational efficiency. Apply Clarity to cut through symptoms and identify root causes. Use Converge to synthesize findings into a coherent diagnosis that explains how multiple factors interact.

A clear, evidence-based understanding of the problem that accounts for complexity without being overwhelmed by it—enabling targeted interventions.

Deciding when and how to scale a successful pilot program to the full organization

Use Synchronicity to assess organizational readiness and external conditions. Apply Vitality to ensure scaling pace is sustainable for both team and infrastructure. Use Propensity to evaluate whether early scaling creates lasting advantage or if waiting builds stronger foundation.

A scaling strategy with optimal timing that's both sustainable and strategically sound—neither rushing prematurely nor waiting too long.

Crafting a company mission statement and brand narrative during a pivotal moment

Use Muse to create inspiring language and compelling metaphors. Apply Human to ensure the message resonates with real human values and experiences. Use Authenticity to verify it reflects actual identity and can be lived, not just marketed.

A mission and narrative that genuinely inspires because it's both beautifully expressed and authentically rooted in real values and human truth.