Strategy is important, but it’s often misunderstood and misused.
Having a defined set of objectives & priorities linked to action plans will help you achieve those objectives , but only if it helps you and your people stay aligned, and if it encourages them to grow Knowledge, not just follow.
Leadership Rule #3: Your people don’t know what you’re thinking, they only know what you say and do.
Strategy is just one of the things you say and do with your people, and therefore can only be successful if it’s consistent with the other things you say, and do.
Good Leaders use strategy as a tool – a communication tool. Poor leaders use it as a weapon.
1. As a Tool…
As a tool a well structured Strategy helps people grow their Knowledge- to remind people in the business how the business works, what’s important.
That is why “the strategic house” was invented. I’m sure you’re familiar with the Greek temple shape – with the corporate objectives at the top, pillars or columns showing the key strategies and foundations underneath.
I’m not a fan of strategic houses but at least they acknowledge the need to show some structure. Unfortunately some leaders forget the reason for the house and create incomprehensibly large complex structures that are a shopping list of topics or objectives.
Strategy isn’t like Ikea instructions. When people are faced with decisions which will make a difference to business outcomes, they don’t pull out the corporate strategy document and find the answer their boss provided. That’s just not how our brains work.
A useful strategy – one that is a tool – is available immediately in people’s subconscious minds. Simple enough to be recalled and connected enough to their daily reality to be understood. It lays a pattern for decisions.
To achieve that Strategy can’t be a stand-alone thing. It has to be shaped in a way that inter-connects with all the other leadership activities, like Projects, Performance targets, Projects, Financial and operational reports, even regular meetings and leadership visits.
2. As a Weapon
A different type of Strategy isn’t meant as a tool but as a weapon. A weapon isn’t recalled or understood or inter-connected because its a source of Fear, not Knowledge.
A Strategy meant as a weapon relies heavily on targets rather than initiatives. Targets are useful weapons because they’re binary – you either achieve them or not. Targets don’t require engagement with detail or deep knowledge, they can be shot from a long distance.
A weapon Strategy also relies on hierarchical authority. How many organizations expend all their time doing Strategic Plans just achieving that authority, without doing the harder work of getting internal alignment or connections? Getting CEO or Board approval is vital, but its not enough.
“Good Leaders use strategy as a communication tool.”
Whatever Strategy you create forms a key part of the Culture of your team. How you shape Strategy reflects the actual culture of your team. Does how you shape your Strategy match your Values and Mission?
Your job as a leader is to create Strategy that matches and underpins the Culture you want t achieve, to support Team Performance not just satisfy your boss.
Your job as a leader is to ensure that your Strategy is well connected through all your team’s other leadership activities, not just a picture in a Powerpoint deck.
image credit. Brunilde Verrier, Sciencedirect.com; Walmart