---
title: "What is the STACK model?"
description: "STACK is the United We Transform sequence of Situation, Task, Action, Consequence and Knowledge. Here's what each stage does and where public agendas break it."
canonical: "https://unitedwetransform.com/book/frameworks/stack-model/"
---

# What is the STACK model?

**Direct answer:** The STACK model is the United We Transform sequence for running a consequential engagement: Situation, Task, Action, Consequence, Knowledge. It moves a group from shared context to a focused task, then to action, modeled outcomes, and knowledge the organization keeps.

## The five stages

The letters run in order. Each stage has its own job and its own AI role.

1. **Situation.** Build a shared picture of the context. AI can scan wide sources and draft a baseline.
2. **Task.** Define one focused objective and tie it to strategy.
3. **Action.** Run the engagement. This is where rapid Scan, Focus, Act cycles live.
4. **Consequence.** Model what each option would cause before anyone commits.
5. **Knowledge.** Keep what the group learned and share it, so the next team starts ahead.

## Where it sits in the book

STACK sits inside the Flow & Process element. Chapter 3 introduces it as the working-session engine of implementation.

The lexicon calls it structured yet adaptable. The book uses it for AI-powered engagements, collaborative problem solving, solution design sprints and effective meetings.

## How it shows up in real gatherings

Public agendas show where STACK breaks. Across 23,624 scored agendas, 10,888 show visible participant work, the Action stage. Only 1,030 show commitments, the closest public trace of Consequence. Just 284 show a baseline, the trace of Situation, and 52 show follow-up after the event, the trace of Knowledge. Overall, 92.2 percent (21,781) show no visible follow-up, tracking or impact evidence. The A shows up far more often than the K.

Data: [Gathering statistics](https://unitedwetransform.com/gathering-statistics/), [Design mechanisms](https://unitedwetransform.com/mechanisms/), [How the score works](https://unitedwetransform.com/what-is-ges/). Scores describe the published agenda, not the event's worth.

## Questions people ask

### What does STACK stand for?

Situation, Task, Action, Consequence, Knowledge.

### How is STACK different from Scan, Focus, Act?

STACK is the whole sequence. Scan, Focus, Act is the fast loop the book runs inside STACK stages, above all inside Action.

### Is STACK only for workshops?

No. The book's lexicon lists AI-powered engagements, collaborative problem solving, solution design sprints and effective meetings.

### Where is STACK in the book?

Chapter 3, pages 93 to 96, with the AI-driven STACK sequence in Figure 3.3 on page 94. The lexicon entry is on page 214.

## Keep going

- [Chapter 3 guide](https://unitedwetransform.com/book/chapters/implementing-uwt-roadmap-ai-enabled-collaboration/): The implementation chapter that introduces STACK.
- [STACK Engagement Designer](https://unitedwetransform.com/book/skills/stack-engagement-designer/): A free AI prompt guide for designing a STACK session.
- [What is Scan, Focus, Act?](https://unitedwetransform.com/book/frameworks/scan-focus-act/): The loop that runs inside STACK.
- [The Cognitor](https://unitedwetransform.com/cognitor/): The person who choreographs a STACK engagement.
- [Follow-up mechanism](https://unitedwetransform.com/mechanisms/follow-up): Agendas that plan the Knowledge stage.
- [Meeting follow-up](https://unitedwetransform.com/meeting-follow-up-mechanism/): How to design follow-up into a gathering.

Source: *United We Transform* by Tom Kehner and Brandon Klein, Chapter 3 (Implementing UWT: A Roadmap for AI-Enabled Collaboration), canonical manuscript pages 93 to 96. Chapter guide: https://unitedwetransform.com/book/chapters/implementing-uwt-roadmap-ai-enabled-collaboration/

Which letter does your next gathering skip?

## Book companion navigation

- [Book overview](https://unitedwetransform.com/book/frameworks/stack-model/)
- [Chapters](https://unitedwetransform.com/book/chapters/)
- [AI skills](https://unitedwetransform.com/book/skills/)
- [Questions and actions](https://unitedwetransform.com/book/questions/)
- [Frameworks](https://unitedwetransform.com/book/frameworks/)
- [Downloads](https://unitedwetransform.com/book/downloads/)