General Course Information
Course name: Scaling Up Master Business Course
Author: Verne Harnish
Format: On-demand videos, downloadable tools, group learning sessions, and live coaching.
Main objective: Help business leaders scale their companies sustainably using the Scaling Up framework — focusing on the four essential decisions: People, Strategy, Execution, and Cash.
Goal: Create the next version of the One Page Strategic Plan
Who This Course Is For
This course is designed for CEOs, founders, and business leaders who want to:
Build a structure that supports growth.
Align their teams around a shared vision.
Improve execution and accountability.
Strengthen their cash flow and profitability.
Apply proven frameworks to scale effectively.
Course Structure
The course is composed of fourteen topics, each focused on a core element of the Scaling Up methodology.
Scaling Up Overview: Understanding the 4 Decisions
Main focus
Introduction to the Scaling Up framework and its four core decisions — People, Strategy, Execution, and Cash.
Key takeaways
Understand the foundations of the Scaling Up model.
Identify which of the four decisions your company needs to focus on first.
Learn how each decision area interconnects to support sustainable growth.
Execution I: Rockefeller Habits Checklist
Main focus
Learn and apply the Rockefeller Habits to assess and strengthen your company’s execution practices.
Key takeaways
Understand the 10 Rockefeller Habits that drive operational excellence.
Diagnose gaps in your team’s execution habits.
Learn how to create structure and rhythm across your organization.
Execution II: The 3 Disciplines of Execution
Main focus
Discover the three core disciplines that enable consistent execution.
Key takeaways
Master the 3 disciplines: priorities, data, and meeting rhythms.
Align daily activities with quarterly and annual goals.
Implement an execution rhythm that drives accountability.
Execution III: Finish the Execution Decision
Main focus
Reflect on your learnings and find additional resources.
Key takeaways
Reflect on key learnings from the Execution modules.
Complete the reflection questions to identify growth areas.
Explore any additional resources you need to strengthen execution.
People I: Foundations of a Winning Team
Main focus
Build a strong foundation by putting the right people in the right roles.
Key takeaways
Identify your company’s A-players and align them with the right positions.
Define the values that guide hiring and development.
Establish a clear structure for effective collaboration.
People II: Achieving Accountability Excellence
Main focus
Develop a culture of ownership and performance through accountability systems.
Key takeaways
Create clear expectations and metrics for team performance.
Build a culture of responsibility and transparency.
Use data-driven conversations to foster improvement and engagement.
People III: Finish the People Decision
Main focus
Reflect on your learnings and find additional resources.
Key takeaways
Reflect on key learnings from the People modules.
Complete the reflection questions to identify growth areas.
Explore any additional resources you need to strengthen execution.
Strategy I: Finding Your DNA & Foundational Strategy
Main focus
Identify your company’s purpose, core values, and unique differentiators.
Key takeaways
Define your company’s purpose and values.
Clarify your mission and long-term vision.
Discover what sets your business apart in the marketplace.
Strategy II: Deeper Thinking Strategy with 7 Strata
Main focus
Apply the 7 Strata of Strategy to build a defensible, long-term competitive advantage.
Key takeaways
Understand the 7 Strata framework and how it drives strategy.
Define your core customer and brand promises.
Craft a clear positioning strategy that drives differentiation.
Strategy III: Finish the Strategy Decision
Main focus
Reflect on your learnings and find additional resources.
Key takeaways
Reflect on key learnings from the Strategy modules.
Complete the reflection questions to identify growth areas.
Explore any additional resources you need to strengthen execution.
Cash I: Financial Excellence
Main focus
Build strong financial foundations by mastering cash flow and profitability.
Key takeaways
Understand how to measure and improve cash conversion cycles.
Learn how cash drives growth and stability.
Identify areas to improve profitability across operations.
Cash II: Making Numbers Simple Case Study
Main focus
Apply financial concepts through a real-world example.
Key takeaways
See how financial excellence translates into real business outcomes.
Learn to simplify complex financial data for decision-making.
Gain confidence in applying financial tools and KPIs.
Cash III: Finish the Cash Decision
Main focus
Reflect on your learnings and find additional resources.
Key takeaways
Reflect on key learnings from the Cash modules.
Complete the reflection questions to identify growth areas.
Explore any additional resources you need to strengthen execution.
Scaling Up: What’s Next
Main focus
Plan how to sustain momentum and integrate Scaling Up across your organization.
Key takeaways
Complete your One Page Strategic Plan.
Plan how to start implementing in your organization.
Continue scaling by applying continuous learning and improvement
Title | Main Focus | Keywords |
Scaling Up Overview: Understanding the 4 Decisions | Introduction to the Scaling Up framework and its four core areas: People, Strategy, Execution, and Cash. | overview, framework, fundamentals |
Execution I: Rockefeller Habits Checklist | Learn the Rockefeller Habits and how to assess your execution maturity. | habits, execution, rhythm |
Execution II: The 3 Disciplines of Execution | Explore the disciplines that drive consistent, effective execution. | priorities, data, meeting rhythm |
Execution III: Finish the Execution Decision | Integrate all execution tools and finalize your plan. | accountability, alignment, progress |
People I: Foundations of a Winning Team | Understand how to build and retain the right people in the right roles. | team, talent, leadership |
People II: Achieving Accountability Excellence | Implement systems that drive performance and ownership. | accountability, culture, metrics |
People III: Finish the People Decision | Complete the people decision by aligning structure and leadership. | organizational design, fit, culture |
Strategy I: Finding Your DNA & Foundational Strategy | Identify your company’s purpose, core values, and differentiators. | purpose, core values, differentiation |
Strategy II: Deeper Thinking Strategy with 7 Strata | Learn how to apply the 7 Strata of Strategy to build a lasting competitive advantage. | strategy, advantage, market focus |
Strategy III: Finish the Strategy Decision | Finalize your strategic plan and value proposition. | clarity, positioning, BHAG |
Cash I: Financial Excellence | Master the fundamentals of cash flow management and profitability. | finance, cash flow, profitability |
Cash II: Making Numbers Simple Case Study | Apply financial concepts through a real-world case study. | financial literacy, case study |
Cash III: Finish the Cash Decision | Create a practical plan to improve cash and fund growth. | cash optimization, sustainability |
Scaling Up: What’s Next | Learn how to sustain momentum and implement Scaling Up across the company. | implementation, next steps, continuous growth |
Common Questions and Where to Find Answers
User Question | Related Module(s) | Bot Guidance |
“What’s the best way to start scaling my business?” | Scaling Up Overview: Understanding the 4 Decisions | Direct the user to the overview module, where they’ll learn the core framework and how to begin scaling systematically. |
“How do I know if my company is ready to scale?” | Scaling Up Overview: Understanding the 4 Decisions | Guide the user to the introduction module, which explains the signs, structure, and mindset required for scaling. |
“We have a plan but struggle to execute — where should we focus?” | Execution I: Rockefeller Habits Checklist | Recommend exploring the Execution module, especially the Rockefeller Habits Checklist, for alignment and focus. |
“How can we improve accountability in our team?” | People II: Achieving Accountability Excellence | Point to the module on Accountability Excellence, which provides systems and routines to drive ownership. |
“How do I keep my team aligned as we grow?” | People I: Foundations of a Winning Team | Suggest the module on building a winning team to learn alignment and communication techniques. |
“What’s the best way to set a meeting rhythm that actually works?” | Execution II: The 3 Disciplines of Execution | Recommend this Execution module for practical guidance on meeting rhythms, priorities, and metrics. |
“How can I create a strategy that really sets us apart from competitors?” | Strategy II: Deeper Thinking Strategy with 7 Strata | Guide the user to the Strategy module on 7 Strata for differentiation and market positioning. |
“What should I focus on first: people, strategy, or execution?” | Scaling Up Overview: Understanding the 4 Decisions | Explain that the Overview module introduces how the 4 decisions interact and where to start. |
“Our cash flow is tight—what can we do right now?” | Cash I: Financial Excellence | Point the user to the Financial Excellence module, which covers cash flow management and practical improvements. |
“I’m not a finance expert—how can I make sense of the numbers?” | Cash II: Making Numbers Simple Case Study | Suggest the case study module that simplifies financial statements and makes metrics easy to understand. |
“How can we maintain momentum once we start scaling?” | Scaling Up: What’s Next | Direct the user to the final module on sustaining growth and planning future scaling steps. |
“How do I get my leadership team on board with this framework?” | People I: Foundations of a Winning Team & Scaling Up Overview | Recommend reviewing both the Overview and Winning Team modules to align leaders on shared goals. |
“Where can I learn how to measure what really matters?” | Execution III: Finish the Execution Decision | Point to the module that covers defining and tracking key metrics for performance and accountability. |
“How do we connect our long-term vision with short-term execution?” | Strategy III: Finish the Strategy Decision & Execution II: The 3 Disciplines of Execution | Guide the user toward the Strategy and Execution modules to learn how to bridge vision and daily priorities. |