In a recent LinkedIn post, John Cutler discusses the dynamic evolution of companies, exploring how mental models, priorities, and perceptions shift as organizations mature. Cutler emphasizes that his framework is not a rigid, linear progression but rather a narrative device to understand these complex transitions.
He introduces a five-act journey that different companies undertake:
“Act 1: Delivery Predictability and WIP Reduction At Scale”
“Act 2: Early Introduction Of Goals”
“Act 3: Goals Come First”
“Act 4: Emerging Value Models And Chaos”
“Act 5: Converging On Value Models”
As John Cutler explains, this is not a definitive maturity model. Instead, he frames it as:
“This is not a maturity model. It is a prototypical, yet nuance-filled journey.”
The Shifting Landscape of Business Priorities
John Cutler highlights how the focus of a company changes dramatically over time. In the initial stages, the emphasis is on establishing predictable delivery and managing work-in-progress (WIP) at scale. This foundational stage, as Cutler outlines, is crucial for building operational efficiency and reliability.
According to Cutler, the introduction of goals marks a significant pivot. This can range from an early incorporation of objectives to a later stage where goals become the primary driver of all activities. This progression suggests a move from a focus on *how* work gets done to *why* it gets done and what outcomes are desired.
From Goals to Value: Navigating the Chaos
The journey, as described by John Cutler, becomes increasingly complex as companies move into what he terms “Emerging Value Models And Chaos.” This phase implies a struggle to define and measure value, leading to a period of uncertainty and potential disruption. In Cutler’s view, this chaos is a natural, albeit challenging, part of the evolution towards more sophisticated value-centric approaches.
The final act, “Converging On Value Models,” suggests a resolution where the organization finds a more unified and effective way to understand, create, and deliver value. This convergence is the culmination of the preceding stages, where the lessons learned from focusing on delivery, goals, and navigating chaos are integrated into a cohesive strategy.
A Narrative Lens on Corporate Evolution
John Cutler’s approach, as presented in his LinkedIn post, offers a valuable narrative tool for understanding organizational change. By presenting these stages as a journey rather than a strict model, he allows for the nuances and complexities that characterize real-world business evolution. As Cutler notes, this method provides a way to explore:
“the competing mental models, what is important, and how perceptions shift.”
This perspective is particularly relevant for leaders and teams seeking to understand their current position and anticipate future challenges and opportunities. Cutler’s framework encourages reflection on how a company’s focus evolves from operational execution to strategic goal alignment and, ultimately, to a deep understanding of value creation.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by John Cutler on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on January 28, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →