A good prompt isn't always enough: facing a complex decision, it's the thinking framework that makes the difference. Here are 12 proven frameworks from consulting and strategy — each with a ready-to-copy prompt. Claude applies the framework to your context, with your figures and your constraints.
In plain terms
These frameworks turn a vague question ("what should we do?") into structured analysis. Paste the prompt, replace the [brackets] with your situation, and ask Claude to challenge its own answer ("what are the flaws in this reasoning?").
The library — 12 frameworks, 12 prompts
SWOT
Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats.
Run a SWOT analysis of [topic], taking into account [competitors / regulation / market]. End with the 3 priorities that follow from it.
Eisenhower Matrix
Sort by urgency and importance.
Here are my tasks: [list]. Sort them into urgent/important (do, schedule, delegate, eliminate) and propose a plan for the week.
Porter's 5 Forces
Assess competitive intensity.
Analyze our industry [specify] with Porter's 5 forces (rivalry, new entrants, substitutes, buyer power, supplier power), then derive 3 levers for advantage.
MECE
Structure with no overlap and no gaps.
Break down the problem [topic] into MECE categories (mutually exclusive, collectively exhaustive) and propose an action plan by category.
Pre-mortem
Anticipate failure before launching.
Our project [describe] will launch in [timeframe]. Assume it has failed: list the 8 most likely causes and one preventive fix for each.
5 Whys
Trace back to the root cause.
Recurring problem: [describe]. Apply the 5 Whys method to identify the root cause, then propose a durable countermeasure.
Decision matrix
Compare options on weighted criteria.
Compare [options] against [criteria: cost, timeline, risk, impact] with weightings. Give a scored table and a justified recommendation.
Cost-benefit
Quantify before committing.
Should we [decision]? Compare costs and benefits over 3 years vs. doing nothing, and recommend the best choice with the key assumptions.
Ansoff Matrix
Choose a growth axis.
Our offering [describe] is plateauing in [market]. Use the Ansoff matrix (penetration, product, market, diversification) and prioritize the most realistic axis.
Scenario planning
Prepare for several futures.
We're expanding into [market]. Build 3 scenarios (optimistic, base case, pessimistic) over 3 years and a strategy that holds up in all three.
First principles
Rebuild from the ground up.
Our [line-item] cost is too high. Break it down into fundamental building blocks and rebuild an optimal approach from scratch.
Bono's 6 Hats
Decide from multiple angles.
Analyze the decision [topic] with the 6 hats: facts, risks, benefits, emotions, creativity, process. End with an actionable synthesis.
💡 Expert tip
Chain two frameworks: first Analyze (SWOT or Porter) to understand, then Prioritize (decision matrix) to decide. And keep the push-back reflex: "give me the strongest argument against this conclusion."
🎯 Practical case — an investment trade-off"We're torn between acquiring a competitor and building the feature in-house. Apply a cost-benefit analysis over 3 years, then a decision matrix (cost, timeline, execution risk, strategic impact, weighted). End with a recommendation and the 2 conditions that would invalidate it."
🛠️ Your turn — 5 minutes
Pick a decision in progress and paste the Pre-mortem prompt with your real data.
Expected result : A list of 8 causes of failure, including at least two you had not considered.
