SCR Framework
The SCR framework stands for Situation, Complication, Resolution. Developed by McKinsey & Company, it's a three-part structure for organizing business presentations. You start with agreed-upon facts, introduce the problem that demands action, and present the solution. It's the most widely used executive communication framework in strategy and consulting because it mirrors how decision-makers naturally process information.
What is it?
When you propose a recommendation or ask for resources, stakeholders rarely push back on the solution itself. More often, they hesitate because the path leading up to that ask felt murky, prompting questions, second-guessing, and circular debates.
The SCR framework organizes your narrative into three distinct stages—Situation, Complication, and Resolution. Instead of organizing slides by topic or department, it aligns your thinking with how people evaluate and decide on proposals.
The three core elements of the situation complication resolution framework:
1. Situation: Define the Context
The Situation establishes the context your audience needs to interpret your recommendation. It grounds the conversation in undeniable baseline facts—such as recent performance data, project milestones, or existing operational conditions. By establishing common ground upfront, you remove ambiguity about where things currently stand, ensuring the room evaluates your recommendation from the exact same starting point.
2. Complication: Name the Tension
The Complication identifies the shift, friction, or emerging constraint that makes the current state unsustainable. This is the catalyst for the entire presentation. Rather than expressing frustration or assigning fault, the Complication clearly defines the operational, financial, or strategic tension that requires a decision. It shows why inaction is no longer a viable option.
3. Resolution: Present the Path Forward
The Resolution delivers the recommendation designed to relieve that specific tension. Because the Complication clearly defined the root issue, your proposed path forward arrives as the logical, proportional answer to the problem. It focuses the room directly on evaluating the decision at hand rather than debating whether an action needs to be taken at all.
SCR works because it front-loads the "why this matters" before diving into details, which keeps audiences engaged and primes them to receive your recommendation.
Unlike chronological or topic-by-topic structures, it builds narrative tension—the complication creates a problem that demands resolution, making your conclusion feel inevitable rather than arbitrary.
It's often the most persuasive structure because it mirrors how people naturally make decisions: understand the context, recognize the problem, accept the solution.
Why it works
We like stories with structure. We want to know the background, understand the conflict, and feel good about the resolution. SCR makes it easier for people to focus on what matters: 'What’s the problem, and
how are we solving it?'
When to use it
It’s ideal for problem-solving, persuasive, or data-driven presentations, especially when addressing executives or stakeholders who
expect logical and actionable insights. Avoid using it for purely informational or inspirational presentations without a central issue to resolve.
Remember to
Ensure that each phase of the SCR framework receives appropriate
emphasis. While the complication often grabs attention, it's essential
not to rush through the situation or resolution phases.
Step-by-step
How to structure a pitch with the SCR framework
Step 1: Write the situation
Step 1: Write the situation
The goal is to explain "what's going on"—to provide a clear understanding of the current state or context. Ask yourself: What is the current state or status quo? What does my audience already know?
Write 2–3 sentences that clearly explain the current state. This will be your foundation.
Goal: Provide just enough context for your audience to understand the starting point. Make it familiar and relatable.
Step 2: Write the complication
Step 2: Write the complication
Now, dig into what’s wrong. This is the problem or challenge you need to solve. Your goal is to explain why the current situation is no longer sustainable or efficient.
Look at your data or key points. Ask: What’s the central issue? What pain points are my audience facing? Write a paragraph that describes the problem in detail. This could include things like competitor pressure, market changes, inefficiencies, etc.
Goal: Build urgency. Make your audience see the gap between where they are and where they need to be. This is the hook that keeps them invested in your presentation.
Step 3: Write the resolution
Step 3: Write the resolution
Now that you’ve built up the problem, it’s time to offer your solution.
This is where your expertise and insight come in. From your information, pull out the key solution(s) that directly address the complication. How does your idea, plan, or recommendation fix the issue?
Write a few paragraphs that outline your proposed resolution and clearly explain the benefits. Be specific: provide examples, use supporting data, and illustrate why your approach works.
Goal: Show your audience how the resolution will solve the problem and lead to positive outcomes. The more tangible and practical your solution, the more convincing it will be.
Step 4: Draft the presentation outline
Step 4: Draft the presentation outline
Use the completed statements for Situation, Complication, and Resolution to start the formal presentation outline.
Make each statement it's own section, and expand through clear explanations that are supported by relevant evidence and examples.
Pay close attention to transitions between sections to guide your audience smoothly from one topic to the next. This helps maintain a logical and coherent flow, preventing the audience from getting lost in the presentation.
Download the Free SCR Framework Workbook
Turn raw data and messy findings into a clear presentation narrative. This guided workbook walks you through defining the situation, pinpointing the tension, and structuring an actionable resolution with step-by-step formulas, fill-in-the-blank prompts, and real examples.