What is it?

This workshop is a practical team reflection using the McKinsey 7-S Model to assess how well your team is aligned and where it can improve.

Why is it useful?

This workshop helps your team spot misalignment, strengthen collaboration, and focus on what really needs attention to perform at its best.

The McKinsey 7-S Model was developed by consultants Tom Peters, Robert Waterman, Richard Pascale, and Anthony Athos at McKinsey & Company in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Objectives

• Understand the 7 elements of the McKinsey 7-S Model.
• Reflect on how each element shows up in our team.
• Identify strengths, gaps, and areas of misalignment.
• Have open, honest discussion about what’s working and what’s not.
• Agree on some practical actions to improve alignment and team performance.

Resources Required

• Time: 90 minutes
• Number of People: About 4-12
• Flipchart or whiteboard
• Sticky notes in 3 colours
• 7 printed posters or headings: one for each “S”
• Markers
• Timer

Process

Step 1: Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Briefly explain the 7-S Model.
2. Emphasise that strong teams need alignment across all 7 areas.
3. Say: “We’ll look at each of these 7 areas to see where we’re strong, where we’re misaligned, and what we can improve.”

Step 2: Silent Reflection (15 minutes)

1. Ask participants to think about how well each "S" is working in the team.
2. Use 3 colours of sticky notes:
   • Green = Strong
   • Yellow = Needs attention
   • Red = Misaligned or unclear
3. One sticky note per element, one idea per note.

Step 3: The Gallery Walk (15 minutes)

1. Stick up the 7 posters (Strategy, Structure, etc.) around the room.
2. Participants place their sticky notes under each heading.
3. Everyone walks around to read the notes.

Step 4: Group Discussion (35 minutes)

1. As a group, discuss each “S” in turn.
2. Start with the one with most yellow/red notes.
3. Use prompts:
   • What stands out?
   • What’s unclear?
   • Where do we see disconnects?
   • What’s working well?
   • What could be better?
   • What more could we do?

Step 5: Actions and Agreements (15 minutes)

1. Ask the team: “What’s one action we can take to improve alignment in each area?”
2. Capture agreed actions on a final sheet or shared doc.
3. Assign ownership and deadlines.

Optional Follow-Up

1. Repeat the exercise in 3–6 months to track progress.
2. Use as a diagnostic before a team strategy day or restructure.