Our mission is to refine organizational decision-making processes by harnessing the power of mental modeling and deep industry expertise. We aim to equip leaders and organizations with the tools and understanding necessary to make informed, strategic decisions that lead to sustainable growth and operational excellence.
We create tailored solutions that align judgment, decision-making, and stakeholder behaviors—giving leaders clarity and confidence to drive success.
Mental Modeling
Align organizational strategy with the reasoning of your stakeholders. By mapping the drivers of judgment and behavior, we provide the clarity needed to move from internal assumptions to confirmed strategic alignment.
Our data analysis secures predictable outcomes for better informed decision-making.
Align organizational strategy with the reasoning of your stakeholders. By mapping the drivers of judgment and behavior, we provide the clarity needed to move from internal assumptions to confirmed strategic alignment.
Our data analysis secures predictable outcomes for better informed
decision-making.
Our Approach
We transform complex insights into clear, actionable strategies by integrating expert-level knowledge into manageable frameworks. Our process begins with counterintuitive analytics that delve into stakeholder thinking—uncovering judgment, decision-making, and behavior drivers often overlooked by traditional approaches. By revealing these hidden factors, we create tailored strategies that ensure clarity and actionable solutions.
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Technology & Tools
Our proprietary tools are designed to help leaders make data-driven decisions with precision and confidence:
1.
Mental Modeling Software
This tool deciphers stakeholder behaviors and decision-making processes, offering actionable insights into the ripple effects of decisions across the organization. By mapping and visualizing complex dynamics, leaders can anticipate challenges and refine strategies effectively.
2.
Predictive Modeling Tools
Leveraging real-time data and advanced forecasting, these tools empower leaders to anticipate risks and proactively address emerging uncertainties. Whether guiding strategic planning or managing crises, they deliver the foresight needed to drive informed decisions.
3.
Data Simulation Models
Simulation tools support scenario-based planning, enabling leadership to test strategies against multiple outcomes. By identifying potential risks and optimizing resources, organizations are better equipped to stay ahead and maintain a proactive stance.
How It Works
Initial Assesment
Opportunity Analysis
Quantitative Confirmation
How It Works
Initial Assesment
Opportunity Analysis
Quantitative Confirmation
Each phase is designed to answer the commercial question before the technical one. The goal is to distinguish between technical success and commercial success early, so resources are committed only when both are achievable.
Gordon Butte
Gordon is a respected innovator in the field of risk analysis, judgement, and decision-making, known for successfully breaking the barrier between basic research and its application in everyday organizational activities.
In 1990, he, along with decision science researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, launched a three-step method for better understanding people’s complex psychological processes of judgment, decision-making, and behavior. The method and management systems that evolved came to comprise proprietary techniques in applying this research in providing expert and mental modeling, strategy and communications development, and conflict resolution.
A US patent for the method was awarded in 1998, and Gordon has contributed to various papers, books, and other publications on
the subject.
Currently, Gordon works with leaders in large organizations to tailor the management systems to immediate requirements, as well in integrating it into primary business and management processes to realize key opportunities over the longer term.
General Partner
Our Experience
CSS General Partner Mark Roll brings over four decades of expertise in chemical product development and innovation management, with a portfolio of U.S. and international patents. The Planned Innovation process has been applied across commercial, industrial, military, and aerospace markets, with a consistent track record of reducing the cost of failure at the front end of development. If your organization is ready to bring that same discipline to your specific market or industry interests, we'd like to talk.
General Partner
Gordon Butte
Gordon is a respected innovator in the field of risk analysis, judgement, and decision-making, known for successfully breaking the barrier between basic research and its application in everyday organizational activities.
In 1990, he, along with decision science researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, launched a three-step method for better understanding people’s complex psychological processes of judgment, decision-making, and behavior. The method and management systems that evolved came to comprise proprietary techniques in applying this research in providing expert and mental modeling, strategy and communications development, and conflict resolution.
A US patent for the method was awarded in 1998, and Gordon has contributed to various papers, books, and other publications on
the subject.
Currently, Gordon works with leaders in large organizations to tailor the management systems to immediate requirements, as well in integrating it into primary business and management processes to realize key opportunities over the longer term.
When a major U.S. company’s Pacific division faced challenges in adopting a new corporate vision across 14 culturally diverse countries, CSS stepped in to address the hidden barriers to engagement. By implementing Leadership Dialogue training and a regionally tailored management system, CSS enabled leaders to foster alignment and engagement across diverse teams. The result? Accelerated adoption of the corporate vision and a more unified workforce, driving measurable success across the Asia-Pacific region.
To address recurring flood risks, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers engaged CSS to enhance its flood risk management strategies. Using expert models and detailed interviews with engineers and planners, CSS uncovered key differences in perspectives and decision-making priorities. These findings informed improved communication strategies and planning frameworks, equipping USACE to better allocate resources and mitigate vulnerabilities.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers collaborated with CSS to advance the Engineering With Nature initiative, integrating ecological and engineering practices to create resilient, sustainable infrastructure. Through expert modeling and stakeholder interviews, we uncovered adoption barriers and aligned strategies with environmental and economic objectives. This groundbreaking initiative redefined navigation and flood risk management, setting a new standard for sustainable infrastructure development.
To counter growing concerns about farmed salmon safety, Fisheries and Oceans Canada partnered with CSS to enhance public understanding of aquaculture. Using targeted mental models research with homemakers across Canada, we pinpointed consumer misconceptions and developed strategic messaging to improve risk communication. This initiative informed messages across the supply chain, from producers to points of purchase, and empowered industry leaders to address safety concerns effectively. As a result, the campaign improved stakeholder communication strategies, strengthening consumer confidence and market stability
Methodology
Gordon Butte is a pioneer in decision sciences, credited with integrating cutting-edge research into practical management systems for major organizations. His groundbreaking work, recognized with a U.S. patent, bridges complex psychological processes with strategic business applications.
Our Leadership is Committed to Excellence
Mark Roll brings over four decades of expertise in chemical product development and innovation management, with a robust portfolio of U.S. and international patents. His leadership has significantly boosted profitability across diverse chemical sectors, shaping industry standards.
When a major U.S. company’s Pacific division faced challenges in adopting a new corporate vision across 14 culturally diverse countries, CSS stepped in to address the hidden barriers to engagement. By implementing Leadership Dialogue training and a regionally tailored management system, CSS enabled leaders to foster alignment and engagement across diverse teams. The result? Accelerated adoption of the corporate vision and a more unified workforce, driving measurable success across the Asia-Pacific region.
To address recurring flood risks, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers engaged CSS to enhance its flood risk management strategies. Using expert models and detailed interviews with engineers and planners, CSS uncovered key differences in perspectives and decision-making priorities. These findings informed improved communication strategies and planning frameworks, equipping USACE to better allocate resources and mitigate vulnerabilities.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers collaborated with CSS to advance the Engineering With Nature initiative, integrating ecological and engineering practices to create resilient, sustainable infrastructure. Through expert modeling and stakeholder interviews, we uncovered adoption barriers and aligned strategies with environmental and economic objectives. This groundbreaking initiative redefined navigation and flood risk management, setting a new standard for sustainable infrastructure development.
To counter growing concerns about farmed salmon safety, Fisheries and Oceans Canada partnered with CSS to enhance public understanding of aquaculture. Using targeted mental models research with homemakers across Canada, we pinpointed consumer misconceptions and developed strategic messaging to improve risk communication. This initiative informed messages across the supply chain, from producers to points of purchase, and empowered industry leaders to address safety concerns effectively. As a result, the campaign improved stakeholder communication strategies, strengthening consumer confidence and market stability
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Technology & Tools
Our proprietary tools are designed to help leaders make data-driven decisions with precision and confidence:
1.
Mental Modeling Software
This tool deciphers stakeholder behaviors and decision-making processes, offering actionable insights into the ripple effects of decisions across the organization. By mapping and visualizing complex dynamics, leaders can anticipate challenges and refine strategies effectively.
2.
Predictive Modeling Tools
Leveraging real-time data and advanced forecasting, these tools empower leaders to anticipate risks and proactively address emerging uncertainties. Whether guiding strategic planning or managing crises, they deliver the foresight needed to drive informed decisions.
3.
Data Simulation Models
Simulation tools support scenario-based planning, enabling leadership to test strategies against multiple outcomes. By identifying potential risks and optimizing resources, organizations are better equipped to stay ahead and maintain a proactive stance.