I recently read "Strategy that Works Rethinking the strategic process" in Medium by Jurriaan Kamer and found the message about rethinking how we build strategic plans so refreshing and timely.
The difference between a thriving organization and one that is not operating at an optimum level often hinges on the clarity and adaptability of its strategic plan. However, many organizations find themselves ensnared in the trap of crafting strategic plans that are more poetic than practical, filled with grandiose language that, while impressive, does little to guide real-world decisions. This disconnect between strategy and action is a common pitfall, leading to a lack of focus and diluted efforts that fail to move the needle towards true organizational objectives.
In a compelling critique and guide, Kamer sheds light on the essence of what a strategy should embody—an integrative set of choices that not only distinguishes an organization from its competitors but also steers it towards unparalleled success. Through this lens, Kamer introduces the concept of Adaptive Strategy, a dynamic framework designed to navigate the complexities of modern business environments. This blog delves into the heart of Kamer 's insights, exploring how organizations can shift from a static list of aspirations to a living, breathing strategy that resonates at every level of the organization.
Strategic plans often falter due to vague objectives, lack of clear focus, and reliance on optimistic outlooks without actionable steps. The crux of the issue lies in the use of ambiguous language that fails to guide decision-making within an organization. For instance, a statement like General Motors' commitment to providing superior value and achieving worldwide success through socially responsible operations, while aspirational, lacks the specificity needed to inform day-to-day decisions or drive strategic direction.
Kamer emphasizes that a potent strategy must transcend being a mere to-do list, advocating for an integrative set of choices that enable an organization to outperform its competitors. Key elements of an effective strategy include straightforward language that everyone in the organization can understand, actionable guidance for daily implementation, insights from all organizational levels, adjustments in capabilities or operations, and a clear understanding of the challenges and customer needs being addressed. It should also articulate specific trade-offs and hypotheses underpinning the strategy, complemented by a feedback mechanism for continuous adjustment.
Kamer introduces an "Adaptive Strategy" framework, based on continuous "Sensing," "Choosing," and "Executing" processes. This approach involves creating situational awareness, making informed strategic choices in response to this understanding, and executing through clearly defined outcomes, prioritizations, metrics, and a strategic operating rhythm. This model encourages organizations to remain agile, responsive to changes in the environment, stakeholders' needs, and industry dynamics, ensuring strategies are not only relevant but also actionable and aligned with the organization's long-term vision.
Kamer emphasizes the need for clear, concise strategies that:
Focus on specific challenges: A good strategy diagnoses the problem and outlines how to overcome it.
Prioritize: Effective strategies involve explicit trade-offs, making clear what the organization will and won't do.
Connect with customers: Understanding customer needs and decision drivers is crucial for creating a relevant strategy.
Guide everyday actions: The strategy should be clear enough for everyone in the organization to understand and implement in their daily work.
Embrace adaptability: The article outlines an "adaptive strategy" process: Sensing, Choosing, Executing.
Kamer concludes by emphasizing that a good strategy is "fractal" - meaning these principles apply at every level of the organization, enabling teams to define their own goals aligned with the overall strategy.
This article is a must read if you are wondering why your strategic planning efforts are not effectively guiding your team's real-world decisions.
Note: Writing a strategic plan that will be both impactful and inspire your team to bring them to life can be challenging to do. Contact us if you want to discuss how the Glass Half Full team can help you to develop and launch your new strategic plan, annual plan, assessment plan, etc... We offer full wrap-around support, retreat facilitation, remote writing services, data collection and analysis, or any combination of services that meet your needs.
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