How Swisscom's Leaders Revamped Strategy with Creative Alignment ????

Hey LinkedIn network! Let’s dive into how Swisscom, a leading telecom company, tackled its stagnation dilemma and revitalized its growth strategy. ????

The Challenge: Stagnation in a Mature Industry ??

In 2016, Swisscom faced a classic industry challenge - stagnation. The telecom sector was barely growing, and Swisscom’s long history of innovation seemed to hit a standstill. The senior leadership was divided: Some were content with slow growth, while others sought bold moves into new markets. ????

The Crucial First Step: Establishing Common Ground ??

The journey began with aligning the senior team on the basics. They needed a shared language to discuss their business model, innovation types, and the growth gap. This was crucial for setting the stage for deeper strategic discussions. ?????

Exposing Misalignments: A Key to Progress ??

Next up was addressing hidden disagreements. Often, teams avoid conflict, leading to apparent consensus without real commitment. Swisscom used surveys and structured discussions to uncover these disagreements, laying the foundation for meaningful dialogues. ????

Getting Physical: An Unconventional Approach ??♂???

Here’s where Swisscom took an unusual yet effective route. They engaged in physical activities like 'walking the line' and 'casting votes' with real money. These exercises helped in visualizing different perspectives and moving towards alignment in a dynamic way. ??♀???

The Outcome: A Clear, Long-Term Growth Strategy ??

Through these creative exercises, Swisscom’s leadership team aligned on a "North Star" vision for 2025. They committed to investing in areas like data security, the internet of things, and emerging markets. This alignment was cemented with dedicated resources and a clear narrative for internal and external communication. ????

Lessons for Leaders: Embrace the Unconventional ??

Swisscom’s story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, stepping outside the conventional box is necessary to achieve real alignment and drive strategic change. Creative approaches can be the key to unlocking a team’s potential and paving the way for successful transformation. ???