DEVELOPMENTAL STRATEGY: Deconstructed
Updated: Sep 21, 2019
For many, the word strategy conjures up memories of an abstract, complicated plan that lacks cohesion, and everyone avoids. I have experienced many stakeholders, in all phases of business, that have not yet found a way to relate to a plan or strategy. Can you relate?
My approach demystifies the process, maps it, and answers the following questions:
Where are we? And where do we want to be?
What do I/ We have to go to get there?
Strategy is the map, your journey is the landscape. The journey involves new skills, new products, new markets, new tools and techniques, and change is inherent to being human.
We see strategy fail when they are generic copies from other businesses or there is an assumption that people will magically move towards a future vision.
No two strategies will be the same – every company has different strengths, market opportunities, challenges, investment potential and people with different skills, competencies and motivations. Together, we develop a strategy that is unique to your business and through strong change management I will help you implement and deliver the vision.
My approach to developmental strategy is summarized here:
First, we answer our questions, “What do we want to be?” and “What is important to us?”
The question becomes “How do we achieve this?”
Second, apply a 4 phase approach, using the above model, to develop a bespoke strategy:
1. Input phase – Look at all the internal and external factors that influence your business. This includes looking at skills availability (internal and external), performance, demographics, current and future demands, use of technology, etc.
2. Analysis phase – Identify all possible strategic options
3. Matching phase – Assess the effectiveness of all possible actions
4. Decision Stage – Development of a unique strategy for your business
Having developed a unique strategy I work with you to implement the strategy in an effective and sustaining way.
This tailor made strategy wins buy-in and commitment of all stakeholders to change and shows how the business will move forward.
You will obtain:
A clear view of the desired future state of the business.
An agreed upon vision and mission to share with employees and stakeholders.
A clear understanding of the technologies, processes and systems needed.
An agreed, prioritized action plan.
Assigned ownership of activities and projects.
Process for reviewing progress and reinforcement.
Tangible and measurable results are:
Improved Performance
Motivated Workforce
Delighted Customers
Improved Reliability
Developing a strategic plan will give your business direction, guide your actions by priority, and show you where to concentrate resources. Don't wait.