♖ How to Scale Your Strategic Thinking (Without Working More)

Hi Moaters,

I'm feeling really lucky lately…

Just got back from an amazing off-site retreat in the outskirts of San Diego with the Pricing I/O team—the Taylor Swifts of B2B software pricing.

I've been fortunate to work with them as an advisor for the last 7 months, gaining a front-row seat to see great strategy and winning culture in action. We capped our time together with a Michelin-esque Italian dinner on top of a hill somewhere around Rancho Santa Fe.

It was breathtaking. I took a moment to capture it so I wouldn't forget.

Thank you, Marcos, Marrissa and team.

BTW, if you like money and think your software pricing may need improvement, this is the team to go to.

Going to keep this issue short and actionable. I lost a few of you on my The Future of AI Software issue. Sorry Mom.

One area I hear a lot from the clients I coach: "How do I stop being a bottleneck and get my team to become more like owners?"

My go-to response is Dan Martell's 1-3-1 Rule.

Personal note: In the last few months of coaching, this one framework has had the biggest impact on the people I've worked with. So I thought I'd share it with the rest of you, too.

The Problem Most Leaders Face

You're in back-to-back meetings, your team keeps asking "What should we do about X?" and you realize you've become the bottleneck. Every decision flows through you. Your calendar is packed, but your team isn't growing.

Most leaders think delegation means giving away decisions. That’s wrong. Real delegation means teaching others how to think through decisions the way you would.

What Is the 1-3-1 Rule?

A simple and repeatable decision-making framework:

• 1 Problem - Define it clearly. “A problem well defined is half solved.”

• 3 Options - Force creative thinking and proactivness.

• 1 Recommendation - Show their judgment.

When someone brings you a problem next time, don't solve it. Ask: "Give me the 1-3-1."

It’s a game changer, trust me.

Why This Actually Works

• Builds judgment in your team faster than any training program.

• Eliminates the "what would you do?" culture.

• Creates ownership - they're not just executing, they're strategizing.

Ready to Use? Here's Your One-Sheeter

I created the below, which shows exactly how this works in practice (includes an example).

Forward this to your team and say: "Can you start doing the 1-3-1 Rule when you bring me any big challenge you want my help on?"

The key is consistency. Every time someone brings you a problem without the 1-3-1 format, gently redirect: "This looks important. Bring me the 1-3-1."

This isn't just about delegation. It's about building a team that thinks strategically without you in the room. Your job shifts from solving problems to developing problem-solvers.

Want to Go Deeper?

• 🎥 Dan Martell explains the 1-3-1 rule in action.
  

• 📖 Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell - Great actionable book on scaling as a leader to do more of what you love.

Try it this week. Pick one recurring decision and apply 1-3-1. Hit reply and tell me how it goes.

'Til next time,
—Ali

P.S. Thank you, Julie, for your response last week. Really made my day.

P.P.S. I can’t believe this is my 12th issue (that is a full quarter!). How am I doing? Are you enjoying these?

About Me: I’m Ali. I advise B2B founders and executives to get clear on their strategy, story, and sales motion. Reach out if I can be of support to you.

Learn more about my story on LinkedIn.