Strategic Planning

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To see into the

Unknown

Future

First

We must know

How to

Be

Present

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Strategic planning is a process not an event.

All too often leaders approach strategy as if it is something to be scheduled and completed annually. Not fully appreciating that strategy is a plan of action to achieve major aims. With the very nature of life meaning that the conditions we are operating in are continuously evolving – impacting on the actions required and sometimes even redefining our aims.

Like any journey into the unknown, you are far more likely to reach your intended destination with a clear map. Easy to say, far more difficult to do. Unlike mapping geography which can be physically travelled to and mapped along the way, mapping the future requires travelling through time.

Which requires a different type of map making.

Strategically mapping your future can best be thought of as a weather map rather than the classic road map. A road map implies clear pathways, whereas the reality is constantly shifting conditions that require closer monitoring and course adjustments.

To navigate uncertainty with greater confidence and momentum, teams require the visionary clarity of strategic focus – like guiding lights through the haze of an ever-changing environment. Enabling us to scan the horizon to adapt to the shifting conditions ahead. Evolving our approach while remaining focused on clear goals and the ultimate destination.

A Strategy Map provides a framework for developing a strategic plan of action to achieve your major aims

Download the full Strategy Map template at dave-wild.com/facilitation

When you work with a Strategy Map begin with the end in mind – starting on the right by exploring future scenarios to help guide your vision ahead…

Progress Forward

Scenarios – Give structure and clarity to the unknown by defining possible to preferable scenarios, informing the capabilities and strategies required.

Vision – Navigate through uncertainty with a vision beyond generic ambition, creating a compelling big picture view of the future state of your organisation.

Actively Plan

Goals – Strategy requires a plan of action designed to achieve major aims, so clearly defined and tracked goals are critical to strategic progress.

Strategies – Strategic focuses need to be simply memorable to inform action, while being complexly unique to provide competitive advantage.

Expand Possibilities

Innovations – Leap forward by collaboratively reflecting on the past, reimagining the present and creating the future from diverse perspectives.

Insights – Stand on the shoulders of giants to see beyond the haze of the unknown, by exploring insights from the knowledge and experiences of others.

Leverage Resources

Capabilities – Leverage existing capabilities while developing an organisation that is ready for the future of work.

Trends – Adapt to strategic shifts needed by anticipating and responding to disruptive trends ahead of their impact.

Build Certainty

Values – Align priorities and cultural behaviours through collaboratively defined and lived values.

Purpose – Provide stability and intrinsic motivation with an inspiring and deeply believed reason for being.

Leap Ahead

Mindleap – Solve complex challenges by shifting fixed mindsets into future-focused leaps in thinking.

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Strategic plans do not exist in isolation. A successful strategy is a considered plan of action that can also adapt to the changing environment. When developing your strategy, consider the broader context that you are operating within. Mapping the wider world and your course through it.

Seeing the bigger picture.

SUMMARY

• Progress forward by defining scenarios and visioning future possibilities ahead.
• Actively plan clear goals and memorably unique strategies.
• Expand possibilities with diverse innovations and visionary insights.
• Leverage resources with future ready capabilities while also anticipating trends.
• Provide certainty through values and purpose while overcoming uncertainty with leaps in thinking.

This is a chapter from our book Futurework – A Guidebook for The Future of Work

Inspire

Inspire forward with new possibilities

As a Futurist living on the edge of the world, I’ve presented on stages and screens across the globe from San?Francisco to South Auckland to Sydney.

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Shift

Gain momentum by shifting perspectives

Facilitation is a complex process. In a complex world it’s only getting more complex. Fortunately it’s the complexity of facilitating that inspires the way we work.

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Upskill

Upskill to transform the future

Adaptive. Digital. Collaborative. Diverse. Inclusive. If you look at the critical shifts happening within modern workplaces, they’re designed to enable organisations to become more responsive.

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