Strategy

The whole process begins with forming what I like to call “the unanswerable question.” The question, when answered, that will put us on an entirely new path. It is through the formation of this question that we start to focus our minds and energy.  The creative process begins when this question is formed.  This is probably the place for us to begin.

Please review these thoughts:

GROWTH

STRATEGIC INTEGRATION MATRIX

POSITIONING FOR THE FUTURE with SCENARIOS

IMAGE MANAGEMENT

SUSTAINABILITY (People, Planet, Prosperity)

If there is not enough information to craft the unanswerable question, then the first step is to do scenario-based planning. This is an exciting and exhausting process of defining future histories.  This process can quickly move into creating strategies for success in each possible future, then distilling common strategies, which are successful in all possible futures.  Very fun and challenging.  If people have not engaged in scenario planning, this would be a worthwhile experience.

From here, we can move into the strategic integration matrix, as shown above.  All six topics are worthy of a clearly thought-out strategic response. Contained within this framework is the most exciting possibility for developing an “E” strategic plan; the use of web-enabled technology to improve the value of all involved along the customer-supplier chain.

Other possible ways of approaching this subject include…

  • Neutralizing enemies
  • Inductive or deductive goal and objective setting
  • Metric-based, end-state visioning
  • Driving to alignment on
    •  key pursuits
    • allocation of resources
    • capacity
    •  premises
    •  performance required
    •  overall direction
  • Creating our destiny…systematic visioning.

Selecting the appropriate approach depends on the problem to be solved.