What it corrects
A recommendation feels stronger when the rejected option is described badly. That is an illusion. Steel-manning requires you to state the strongest opposing case in terms its advocate would accept, including its objective, evidence, and trade-off.
Only then can commitment mean more than ignoring inconvenient information.
How it works
- Choose the strongest credible alternative, not the easiest target.
- State its objective and best case evidence fairly.
- Name the condition under which it would be right.
- Explain why your chosen option still wins on the stated objective.
In a Business Case Weekly case
In the Nike case, the case for preserving the existing distribution business should not be reduced to timidity. It can protect cash, relationships, and operational focus. A strong answer explains why those real benefits do or do not outweigh the dependency being considered.
In your answer
- “The strongest case for the alternative is …”
- “It would be right if …”
- “I reject it here because the case establishes …”
Common misuse
Do not write a flattering paragraph and then ignore it. The opposing case must change the comparison: sharpen the trade-off, lower confidence, add a condition, or force a better defence.