Strategy is Everyone's Responsibility
Many organizations continue to approach strategy planning the same way, year after year. Even if the organization continues to miss their strategic goals and targets. Why is that? My friend always talks about “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” This may be an easy observation in our personal lives but for some reason it’s not so easy to see in our professional lives. Especially when it comes to strategy.
Brightline Initiative research indicates that 9 out of 10 organizations do not meet their strategic goals. Are you working with one of those organizations? Have you taken the time to determine why your organization has not achieved the strategic goals? Could it be the process? Are you continuing with the same process year after year and expecting different results?
You may have read the previous blog postings about preparing for your strategy discussion and an overview of strategic planning challenges, and in this blog let’s take a closer look at a more inclusive strategic planning effort.
Everyone should have a voice in the strategy
This concept is often overlooked. Although the planning process may take place in the C-Suite, the individuals that will be responsible for the day-to-day activities in support of those strategic goals usually sit outside of the C-Suite. Yet, these folks are rarely invited into the discussion. What a shame.
By asking the individuals who are closest to the clients, products, services, marketing, staff, potential opportunities, risks and challenges, you are likely to learn something valuable about your organization. Imagine how meaningful the organizational strategy would be with contributions from the entire organization, not just the C-Suite. All you have to do is ask.
You could be missing out on a lot of opportunities. Don’t you want some new and fresh ideas, suggestions from individuals that are closer to the issues or challenges, and an increased level of buy-in and commitment on the part of the employees to achieve those goals? As a reminder, strategies are created for organizations, not the leadership team.
Action Item: Be inclusive - send a survey asking for input on how to achieve a specific goal or target, ask for ideas in an All Hand’s Meeting, add the goals to the team meeting agendas for discussion. Inclusivity can be very powerful. For everyone.
Strategy delivery can be the choking point
We have witnessed many organizations that spend a lot of time on the design of the strategy and not the delivery of that strategy. I always think of the quote “A goal without a plan is just a wish”. Is your organization focusing on wishes or goals?
A successful delivery plan should include project management practices to ensure that the strategic initiatives are identified, executed and completed as planned. Strategic planning and project management practices dovetail for a successful delivery program for your strategy.
Also keep in mind that strategies are not static. Strategies need to be transitioned to a strategy management program to ensure that the strategy gets the care and feeding required to maintain its relevance, value and meaning.
Action Item: Create a work plan that will provide all of the details associated with the strategic initiatives and the various work activities associated with achieving the goals. Introduce standard project management practices to ensure that the work is completed as planned. Identify clear and understandable tasks, timelines and owners. And don’t forget to work the plan!
A lot of value lies in a well designed strategic plan – it’s meaningful, customized to your organization, impactful, actionable and it provides direction for everyone by embracing collaboration throughout the organization. After all, strategy is everyone’s responsibility.