The topic of innovation can be daunting, filled with vague terminology and mysterious processes. How does an organization innovate? How does one create a culture of innovation? And how does one guard against – or create – disruptive innovation? And what does all of the above even mean? Steve Jobs said it best, “Creativity is just connecting things. When you …
As the business world’s dependence on data collection and analytics continues to grow, many strategic planners are left wondering what their role is going to be in this new era of computer-driven decision making. Is the old-school CEO going to be usurped by technology, or is there still room for someone with professional experience to make the call? The answer …
Everyone has been in a meeting that lacked structure, leaving it to suddenly veer wildly off track. Maybe someone takes too much control over the conversation, or discussion devolves to off-topic complaints or topics. Whatever the reason, as a meeting organizer you’re left in a tough place. At this point the reason you assembled everyone in the first place – …
Over the past several months we developed a strategic thinking course for one of our primary clients. As we got into the design and development of the course, we discovered that managing risk is a critically important consideration in thinking strategically. Solid strategic thinking related to executing the organization’s strategy includes assessing the trade-offs involved in selecting a particular course …
How many times have you heard the term “Business Transformation?” Have you ever wondered about the exact meaning of this widely used term? I have. Basically it is a change management strategy which has the aim to align people, process and technology initiatives of a company more closely with its business strategy and vision. Assuming we can generally agree with this definition, I’m …
A few years ago our team completed an intense assignment with a mid-sized organization located in the Midwest. Our charge was twofold. In Phase 1 we helped the organization set and communicate a new strategy for the future. As part of this process we conducted a thorough environmental assessment with more than fifty key stakeholders. We took the findings and …
I want to make a point about a dynamic that too often occurs in mission driven organizations. To strike the right working balance between seasoned board members, senior executives and new leaders requires appropriate orientation and training in strategic management roles and responsibilities. When little or no up-front guidance is provided new board members regarding appropriate behavior it can enable …
In working with clients on developing “Strategic Thinking” skills within an organization, there is a lot of attention on ensuring that every employee within the organization has “line of sight” from their respective role to the high-level mission and vision of the organization. The need for this connection is obvious . . . as most organizations struggle with the challenge …
Recently a client asked a very simple, and yet extremely complex, question: “What’s the difference between ‘strategic thinking’ and ‘strategic planning’?” Great question! A quick Google search reveals that academics have pondered and debated this question since the early 1990’s. One extremely helpful scholarly overview can be found in the June 1998 volume 31 of Long Range Planning, in a …
To effectively and efficiently implement an organization-wide strategy requires many factors come into alignment before successful implementation can occur. First, an accountability model must be clearly defined and embraced for each element of the strategy. Who owns each objective in the plan? Who is responsible for each of the organization’s strategic initiatives? Who is responsible for defining, collecting and reporting …
