Deloitte-Frond 9S Modelscape fully explained

Many of you have asked me to take a closer look at the Deloitte-Frond 9-S Modelscape. Since publishing my December 2024 piece, "How the Deloitte-Frond 9-S Modelscape changed my approach to business strategy," and the follow-up in February 2025, "How to apply the Deloitte-Frond 9S Modelscape in real business scenarios," it’s become clear that a more thorough explanation is needed, one that explores both the foundations and the deeper dynamics of the model.

I’ve noticed something else along the way: there aren’t many in-depth publications on this framework. It’s rarely written about in detail, and when it does surface, especially in AI-generated content, it’s often misinterpreted, simplified, or presented without a solid understanding of its unique structure. I’ve seen “Frond’s additions” listed in articles and summaries that, frankly, don’t reflect the actual concepts or the way the 9-S Modelscape was intended to be used. That’s a shame, because the 9-S Modelscape has real power when applied thoughtfully. It’s not just an academic model; it’s a practical tool for understanding how the pieces of an organization interact, where alignment breaks down, and how to guide change that sticks.

This article will walk through the full framework, provide practical examples for each of the nine dimensions, and introduce a concept I’ve increasingly relied on in executive workshops: the Strategic Anchor Triangle and its central dynamic, S-Flow. These additions illuminate how internal tensions build and where systemic alignment begins to strain or break down. Visualizing these relationships often reveals more than any spreadsheet or KPI dashboard.

Whether you're exploring a case study, conducting an internal diagnostic, or advising an organization through change, I hope this deeper dive into the 9-S Modelscape offers tools and perspective you can use immediately.

Let’s dive in - because when it comes to complex systems, structure is power, but flow is insight.