Got a question about how to establish a Strategic Profile for your organization. While the exact process takes some time and practice, I thought I could share the key 15 questions executives need to ask regarding their organization. The answers to these questions will begin the process of creating a strategic profile for your organization.
So here are the 15 Question for looking at your current Strategic Profile… Continue reading ‘15 Questions for Strategic Profile creation’ »
Most executives and CEO want to win the strategic game in the marketplace. Yet, time after time, they get distracted due to opportunities ( this is very true with entrepreneur driven company executives) or the large corporation executive team is unfocused due to the temptation to keep everyone happy rather than enforce strict discipline on somewhat complex issues.
The somewhat complex issues I’m referring to is the matching of dominant competencies that match with the strategic drivers of the organization. These competencies are also known as areas of excellence. They are the keys to keeping the strategy healthy and on track for success. Continue reading ‘Match Dominant Competencies to Your Strategy to Win’ »
I got an interesting question from a client last week as I was writing about Strategic Planning or I prefer to call it – Strategic Thinking. An executive asked me “What is Strategic Thinking?” At first I thought this was a trick question with a hidden agenda, yet after a couple of questions, I realized it was a genuine question from a person who I assumed should know the answer ( errant assumptions are still the root cause of all poor decisions.).
Most executive teams will openly discuss growth and market share, yet, seldom do they really get down to the specifics of what is the best route to take the organization into the future. There is some discussion about the organizational structure of the company and who reports to whom. Yet, is that really strategic thinking? Yet, I find that most executives are following the path created by market momentum, which is directly related to the health of the economy. Therefore, this is more status quo than Strategic Thinking.
Okay, so here is the answer to the question – What is Strategic Thinking? … Continue reading ‘What is Strategic Thinking?’ »
As promised, I will share the list of ten strategic drivers you can choose from in setting the future for your organization. The important part of this message is to understand you make a single choice between ten strategic drivers. Remember you can only have one strategic driver for the organization, the only exception is possible when you have multiple business units requiring different strategic drivers.
Today I will introduce you to the ten strategic drivers and share a brief explanation of their meaning. Next week I plan to go into more detail particularly identifying the key strategy to incorporate with each strategic driver. The discipline part comes into play with the identification of Areas of Excellence that must be mastered by the organization or the market leader goal will be missed.
So what are the ten strategic drivers? Here they are… Continue reading ‘You Choose the Strategic Driver for Your Organization’ »
Through my years of working with organizations and assisting in the formation of Strategy, I have found one concept or element to be the most important concept for Strategy to become effective. This is the one thing that drives the competitive advantage and insures success in your marketplace. So what is this magic bullet?
First, it is not a magic bullet. Second, it becomes magic in its effect upon the overall performance of the organization when the top managers and executives totally understand this concept. Several years ago, a couple of researchers validated the concept and wrote a best selling management book entitled – the Discipline of Market Leaders. It was determined that companies using the discipline to focus in certain areas and limit investment of time and money in other areas – would lead their markets.
So what is this concept? Continue reading ‘The One Concept Executives Need to Understand for Effective Strategy’ »
Obstacles to Strategic Thinking come in many different sizes and shapes, yet, they can have negative impact on an organization’s ability to successfully create their future. There are a number of obstacles that are common blocks to successful and effective strategic thinking. As a leader, you must be prepared to recognize these obstacles and make choices to minimize their negative effects.
There are eight primary obstacles that occur in most organizations. It is your job as a leader to recognize these eight and focus upon the real goal of creating a clear pathway to the future. Here are the primary eight obstacles… Continue reading ‘Obstacles to Strategic Thinking’ »
I have to share a major learning point with everyone today. And starts with this question…
Are you Focused or Frazzled today?
The answer can make a difference in what you accomplish and what gets done that is important. And this can be the answer to your current mental state. Continue reading ‘Focused or Frazzled today?’ »
I had an interesting discussion last week with an executive who suggested that Strategic Planning was of NO Value during this economic downturn. This was intriguing to me as a short sighted statement from a very smart individual. Sorry if that sounds arrogant, yet, I have experienced this type of economic downturn in a regional group of states during the mid-80′s. And, the key to surviving is to totally understand your options and making the critical choices for success. Winging it is not an option.
Assuming that you agree that Strategic Planning is still – if not more – important today, what do you do differently in your strategic thinking process? There are three things you want to cover in your current planning activities. These include the following… Continue reading ‘Three Strategic Planning To-Do’s during Tough Times’ »
One of the most important things I have learned about the Strategic Planning process is how it can impact ALL areas of the organization. This is more that a top group think tank exercise. It will truly impact every area of the organization. One of the trailblazers of the understanding this interrelationship was the consulting firm of McKinsey.
They promoted and used a model referred to as the Seven S model of organizational effectiveness. Within this model, they determined there were no hierarchical boundaries – meaning each S was equal in need and priority – and as an organization you could rarely work on one area without impacting another. In fact, all seven S’s work together to create your effectiveness as an organization and as a leader, you must be prepared to work on all seven areas or elements to be successful in today’s competitive environment.
So what are the Seven S’s of this model? Here is the list of the seven, remember there is no one element with a priority over the other… Continue reading ‘Take a Holistic View to Strategic Planning’ »
The month of October has been designated as International Strategic Planning Month. What a great idea to place this on your calendar – especially the executives of organizations. The act of strategic planning is how you create the future for an organization. Continue reading ‘October is International Strategic Planning Month’ »
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