Is strategy something to fear?

A few months ago, I met with a client, and she showed me her plans for the coming year. To ensure the plan is approved by her manager, the VP HR, and the CEO, she asked me to make it cohesive.

I asked for the organizational strategy to compare and identify links between the two plans. She surprised me by saying there is not an organizational strategy, and this term is not used.

Apparently, strategy doesn't mean anything to that company. Her list of actions, while commonly used in HR, had no connection, and didn't form a yearly plan, just tasks that could have an impact if linked somehow.

This made me think of the strategy workshops I facilitated as an organizational consultant in the Air Force.

Every two years, a new colonel is appointed. She/He would lead the newly formed management team and have an entirely different perception of the organization. An organizational strategy workshop is a great way to align the organization's strategy and to bind the management team together.

In essence, strategy is about creating meaningful goals and visions that go beyond mere to-do lists. Check out this link for detailed information I recently shared on this process.

My role as facilitator includes developing the format, conducting the first engagement session, as well as establishing a methodology. The Colonel and I used to sit together and think about the messages they wanted to communicate and the language that would be most effective.

We customized each workshop's opening activities to engage participants.

Each activity was a brand-new method based on past mechanisms.

In preparation for strategy workshops and plans, here are some thoughts regarding different aspects of strategy development.

Embracing Forward-Thinking

The time has come for organizations to embrace a forward-thinking approach, to shift from being merely tactical to becoming visionaries in their respective fields. Leadership plays a pivotal role in this transformation. Leaders are the torchbearers who bring vision to the table, inspire, and guide their teams towards realizing organizational goals. They are the architects who construct the bridges between the present and the future, ensuring a seamless transition into new realms of possibilities.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence

On this journey, artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a powerful ally. It empowers us to accomplish tasks independently, enhancing efficiency and productivity. However, AI's true potential is realized when it is integrated into collaborative efforts. Regardless of the methodology adopted, AI can significantly amplify the results, enabling organizations to reach unprecedented heights. This can be used in the workshop to keep track of people's ideas and summarize them quickly.

Motivating Management through Strategy Workshops

One of the key components of strategic development is a strategy workshop. It is a platform where the management team meets to brainstorm, discuss, and formulate strategies. To foster motivation and engagement during these workshops, it is essential to incorporate interactive exercises. For instance, as I previously used in workshops, creating a joint timeline, or engaging in a statistics game can stimulate thought processes and encourage participation. Ensuring a smooth and dynamic flow during the workshop is also crucial to maintaining momentum and focus.

The Power of Cohesive Vision

A cohesive and well-articulated vision is the cornerstone of a successful strategy. Rather than merely a statement, it serves as a guide for every decision and action within the organization. It is the beacon that lights the path, ensuring that every step taken is aligned with the organization's overarching goals. Leaders must, therefore, be diligent in crafting a vision that is clear, inspiring, and reflective of the organization’s core values and aspirations.

The bottom line

In conclusion, strategy should not be a source of fear but a catalyst for innovation and growth. By adopting a forward-thinking approach, leveraging AI capabilities, engaging management through strategy workshops, and crafting a cohesive vision, organizations can navigate the waters of strategic vision with confidence and precision. Organizations can truly transcend the ordinary and achieve the extraordinary through such endeavours.

I hope you have a wonderful year-end and a productive strategy workshop for the next year. Feel free to contact me for assistance or pair thinking sessions.

#organizationaldevelopment #organizationalstrategy