Strategy is about listening to customers, asking some pretty simple questions, doing some research and some thinking, and getting people to support your decisions.
And it's everyone's business.
Strategists are simply the ‘idea engineers' of an organisation. They include those with “Strategy” embossed on their business cards, as well as copywriters, MDs and even Fiona from accounting.
Organisations need to encourage and cultivate a strategic mindset and environment
Chances are there are plenty of great ideas floating around your organisation. How do you mine these to find the nuggets? Get people talking! Shared ideas lead to shared understanding. An open, honest, idea-sharing culture creates a greater level of trust among co-workers. More efforts will be aligned - and more ideas will emerge. After all, we work and operate in a creative environment where our differentiator at the end of the day is an idea/s. It's a virtuous circle that can quickly become an organisational way of life.
Strategic management is conversation. It keeps players in the know, in the loop, focuses our attention and efforts, and inspires performance. People value work that makes them feel valued. When they're responsible for an idea, they will take ownership and follow it through to an effective execution.
The great thing about a strategic mindset is that we are all on the lookout for growth opportunities. When we're exploring new idea territories, and challenging and inspiring each other, we come up with fresh insights - organisational learning, new business opportunities, and improvements on current operations. All of which adds up to a formula for lasting growth.
Remember: strategy is not a long term view of where we as an organisation are headed.
Strategy is something that should govern the way we think on a daily basis if we are to reach those destinations in a healthy and happy condition.
