Simon Wardley, former head of a profitable company, realized he did not understand its direction. His search for answers led him to Wardley maps, which he describes as a tool for topographic reconnaissance that helps companies leverage the conditions they operate in.
The book explains that working with maps lets you see how conditions change, find ways to influence them with existing resources, and continuously learn from outcomes. A map does not dictate a specific route, but it facilitates discussion of options and decision‑making.