Strategy

Strategy Beyond Decks: Choosing the Right Format

Decks are the language we use to communicate. And like any language, there are rules, things to avoid, and some words, as always, that are better than others.

AuthorJulie Babb

DateMar 12, 2026

Reading time4 min read

❌ The Problem

“Decks are where strategy goes to die.”

We’ve all heard it before—from clients, bosses, and our own brains. While it’s hyperbole and often inaccurate, sometimes it feels (& is) true.

We do the challenging thought work, obsess over the perfect narrative, and ensure our thoughtful recommendations are rolled up in a beautiful deck to present. Clients love it and you think, “Awesome, can’t wait to see it executed.”

And then? “🦗🦗🦗.” Suddenly all your hard work (& your client’s investment) starts collecting dust on the digital shelves that are inboxes, drives, and clouds.

Sometimes decks are the answer. Sometimes they’re not. Here’s a guide to deciding how to deliver strategy more effectively.

🎯 Our Objective

Every strategy deliverable should be designed to drive action or progress—by clients, partners, or ourselves. Sometimes that comes in the form of specific recommendations to be executed on. Other times its discussions that lead to decisions that push us forward.

To design for this, let’s consider…

When does strategy “die”?

It isn’t good.
It isn’t actionable.
It’s too blue sky and unrealistic.
It’s too complex or broad for clients to internalize or implement.
Client doesn’t feel ownership over the execution.
It doesn’t consider internal and external forces that impact clients’ day-to-day.
It doesn’t fit into clients’ existing workflows.
Client struggles to find necessary internal alignment.
We use the wrong tech/tool for the task.

When does strategy lead to action or progress?

We build a strong, trusting relationship with client.
Align on ways of working with client from the start.
Adjust our communication style to match the client’s.
Deliver strategy in small moments.
Create early wins that show that action leads to positive results.
We collaborate with client.
Client does some of the work themselves.
Client team has established clear ownership. / We assign client ownership.
We simplify execution for client.
Strategy is put on a roadmap.
We help client gain necessary internal alignment.
We build relationships with more than just our day-to-day clients.

💡P+S Strategy Deliverable Principles

Make strategy less formal and more collaborative whenever we can.
Build client trust outside of key deliverables.

✅ Evaluation Criteria

Every client, company, and strategic ask is slightly different, so there’s rarely a one-size-fits-all deliverable format. However, there are certain signals to look for when determining your approach. When deciding how to package strategy, use the following criteria to help determine the most effective format.

Potential Deliverable Formats Prioritize formats that encourage knowledge sharing about the new topic/landscape (NFTs), and can evolve as we learn from testing:

Workshop
Miro
Decklette

🚀 Conclusion

Hoping for a foolproof framework that tells you exactly what to do for every strategy ask? This is your reminder that we’re in the business of bespoke. People are nuanced, so how we serve them must be as well. What works for one client may not for another.

But don’t be discouraged! Just like we test and learn growth strategies, delivering strategy also requires experimentation. Across many clients, and within specific client relationships. And even when you’ve feel like you’ve “figured out” a client, soon enough you’ll collaborate with them on a project that “dies.” It’s unavoidable and, you might say, keeps us on our toes.

Looking for a format? Try one of these: