GPS, a strategy simplified.

In our daily work-life, we talk a lot on strategy: purchasing strategy, communication strategy, penetration strategy, etc. What does it really mean to you?

Not to be bothered too much in a complicated concept, I think a mechanism of a GPS simply shows what a strategy is all about.

I understand a mechanism of a strategy development goes through the three steps as below.

1.    Where am I? (in linkage with an earlier article of dashboard) https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/simplicity-complexity-delicacy-dashboard-management-hanjun-kwon/

2.    Where do I need to go? (Goal)

3.    How can I get there? (Strategy / Tactics)

In that sense, a GPS is a great system that constantly reminds me of how I should build and manage a strategy. My location needs to be accurately identified (#1). My destination needs to be clear (#2), unless I am simply enjoy driving and consumes fuel (or other forms of energy). Then GPS builds a route (and/or routes) upon #1 and #2. What fascinates me the most is a course-correction principle. To make a strategy truly meaningful, an organization (or individual) should have a willingness and a capability to take an action to course-correct.

I tend to find a perception and/or tendency that a great strategy comes with indisputably well-made PPT presentation and excel analysis set in stone. Once presented to a management, usually we say “see you next year” mentality.

GPS constantly (at least in my knowledge) check my location and then recommends adjustment if I am off the track. I believe our strategy pathway should be the same. Deviation is okay, but clear assessment on the deviation needs to be checked, then we need to build a strategy/tactic in agility.

Though I am not a smart enough engineer who understands fully on the functionality of GPS, particularly with on the interactions with artificial satellite, the GPS principle is, in my view, a strategy simplified.

Simplicity works.