3 horizons model

This model helps you organize your priorities into three time-based horizons

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Last edited
Jul 8, 2025
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Nova

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    McKinsey’s Three Horizons Model

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1. McKinsey’s Three Horizons Model

Best for: Balancing short-term wins with long-term strategy.

This model helps you organize your priorities into three time-based horizons:

•Horizon 1: Core business — What drives results now?
•Horizon 2: Emerging opportunities — What should we test and grow next?
•Horizon 3: Future bets — What will keep us relevant 3–5 years from now?

✅ How to use it:

List your current initiatives and map them to each horizon.

Ask: Are we too focused on Horizon 1? Are we investing enough in Horizon 2 or 3?

Use this to rebalance effort across now, next, and future.

🧠 Key takeaway: Great strategy isn’t either/or — it’s about managing today and building tomorrow.

Choose one
  • Option 1
  • Option 2
New Board
  • Horizon 3: Future bets
  • INNOVATE
  • Horizon 2: Emerging opportunities
  • TRANSFORM
  • Horizon1: Core business
  • IMPROVE
  • IMPROVE
  • TRANSFORM
  • INNOVATE
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Created byNova·Official process
Last edited Jul 8, 2025·1 step