THE WAX METHOD

In order to inform the appropriate objectives are met for planning and also ultimate execution, it is important to ensure that the end state of each decision-making cycle is clearly articulated and understood.  This will provide an insight to the areas that stakeholders (such as competitors) are operating in, what the overall objectives are to be met, what constraints are placed on planners and decision makers, when elements need to be achieved and what information drivers will inform the process.

The initial phase,'Watch', entails vigilant observation and information gathering. Echoing military reconnaissance and surveillance, this stage focuses on fully understanding the situation at hand and gathering the right information to analyse and base decisions on. In a business context, it translates to comprehensive market analysis and environmental scanning. For athletes, it means scrutinising competitors, grasping game dynamics and observing key conditions in your opponent’s approach. The aim is continuous monitoring of the environment to collect pertinent information, whether it be market trends, competitor actions, or performance indicators.

The 'Assess' phase involves a simplistic yet in-depth analysis of the data gathered during the previous phase. This mirrors the military practice of turning raw information into actionable intelligence. In business, this means appraising risks, opportunities, and potential outcomes to devise a strategic plan. For athletes, it involves analysing performance data to pinpoint improvement areas or strategic edges. Pivotal for transforming observations into actionable insights, this stage underpins informed decision-making.

The final stage, 'Execute', is where strategies and plans are actioned. Reflecting the military’s focus on decisive action, this phase is about efficiently and precisely implementing the selected course. In a corporate setting, it might involve launching a new product or entering a new market, while in sport, it pertains to executing game plans or specific training routines.