Strategy made simple ....

Over the years I have had many queries and questions on how to do a high level strategy.  It appears that it has become a complicated science!  Well in my mind it is not!

I don’t believe in overcomplicating things.  The answer always lies within the simple not the complex.  So what about strategy then?  My view on most of the critical components to complete a high level strategy are captured below.

1. Start with the picture

What is it that you are trying to create?  A good analogy here is a jigsaw puzzle that you are about to put together.  Do you have the picture in front of you?  Do you know what it is you want to build?  Have you got a clear view on what this is going to be?

2. Build in the critical elements for your business

Once you have the picture sorted then decide what are the critical elements you want to ensure are managed along the way.  A good example here are the elements within your business that are critical drivers to its success.  Some examples are below but these are by no means exhaustive:-

o   Your People:  What is in it for your people?  Why will they want to be a part of this? What organisational capabilities will you need to build this?

o   Your Customers:-What are you going to do for your customers?  What will these elements mean for them?

o   Your Community and Shareholders.  Are these elements important?  If so don’t forget to build them in also.

o   Your service offering.  What is this going to look like as you create your picture?

o   Third parties or alliances that you may want to include.

o   Technology.  Is this a critical element to create your picture?

3. Create your stepping stones (your projects and initiatives). 

Now we have our critical drivers, what are the elements or projects that we need to get underway that will help us create the picture that we are building? Our stepping stones!  How do we want to put this together?  What is the timing to do these things?

Now as you work through this a few thoughts to the wise.  If you follow De Bono ... don’t put the black hat on first!  Start with a clear board and create all the possibilities.  This enables more creative flow and thinking.  Think of it as a brainstorming type session. 

4.  Timings and reality check

Once you have all your possibilities you can start to work through the critical elements that need to be considered around why you may or may not be able to conduct these activities now or in the future.  This may be due to funding, regulations, economic environment or any other elements that you feel appropriate to your business. You could employ a methodology like a PESTLE analysis.

5.  Create a visual one page map. 

A visual depiction of what you are creating.  Plot your initiatives on this map so you can see what you are creating.  One page is great.  This is your map of how you are creating your future!

6.  Congratulate yourself

Now give yourself a pat on the back.  You have a high level strategy of what you want to create and how you will get there, along with critical elements that you want to manage on the journey.  Yes there is more detail that will come after this but for now .... Well done!!  You have a high level strategy on where you are heading!  You are already a step ahead of most!