The Art of Strategic Thinking

Primarily companies who are really good at what they do, spend most of their time doing exactly that! Doing what they do best. So in a thriving market when opportunities abound and when the 'lights' of new opportunities keep coming, we don't often have [or allocate] time to plan for much else other then the here and now. 

Planning for new ideas, acquisitions, or new markets seems like a good idea but will often take a back seat when the orders are plentiful and phone keeps ringing. 

So what happened 6 months ago? When for many companies the lights stopped coming, the phone stopped, and the fax went quiet? There was a void which was filled with 'wondering why', 'praying for rain', 'battening down the hatches', and in some cases taking evasive action! 

So strategic thinking is about looking at the now, comparing it with the past, thinking about the future, and considering all aspects of the plan for your succession as well as that of your team. 

Everything that we do needs a game plan! As the expression goes 'when you are up to your elbows in crocodiles it is hard to remember that the original objective was to drain the swamp!' When in the thick of the action it is vital to have our sights on clear outcomes and our game plan. 

Many businesses have few meetings as they find them dull and lifeless - and they blame the meeting! Organisations that are growing quickly meet regularly run highly engaging meetings that add significant value to their communication processes, and regularly deliver results.

So the fundamental elements of good strategic planning are:

Defining strategy takes a different way of thinking - As Einstein said "Problems cannot be resolved by the same level of thinking that created them". Different ways of thinking often require different environments as well a whole new perspective. Also strategic questions usually start with 'why' and often have no easy answers. The process of finding answers causes you to think strategically.      

Planning should involve everyone - In a new age we see that young people are engaged in environments where they are involved and constantly communicated with. This is true in every area of business, sport, and life. The more we share and involve everyone the more they will step up and take ownership.

Good planning often requires facilitation - Unless you a really good at getting your team to 'think outside the square', a good coach or facilitator can assist. Your facilitator will help you to maximise the planning session by ensuring that you are thinking with clarity, will keep the conversation relevant and on track, ensure that opportunities are fully explored, that everyone is actively participating, and that you have a clear action plan with accountabilities as a result of the session

Effective planning requires structure - The essence of great planning is alignment! When the team is all on the same page you can harness the power of collective intelligence and get 'buy in' to any future plan. Without 'buy in' people will never fully commit and results will never be optimal. Ensure the structure includes time for alignment, good news, issues and opportunities, followed by commitment and 'buy in' to outcomes. 

Great planning requires conflict - Choose conflict over consensus. Whilst consensus will create harmony it rarely allows people to truly engage. Conflict comes from a spirited debate about what is important. The end result is alignment around what the team believe is the best possible solution.

Planning takes time -  Tactical, everyday issues takes little time to deal with as they are 'known' and familiar. But dealing with the minutia just gets us by and does not move the business forward. Strategic planning often deals with the unknown. Innovating and creating new ideas takes the time that it takes- and you need to take the time!   

Great planning requires leadership and inspiration - Great strategic planning is an autocratic / democratic process! Whist it involves all parties - it has to be driven. Anyone who has been involved in committees knows that they specialise in getting little done over extended periods of time. Leadership and passion is required to drive the process, keep people and the conversation on track, and ensure that the best possible outcome is achieved.

Great planning is done by great people - In order to maximise the plan ensure that you have a room full of players! Those willing to collaborate and create collective intelligence. Players are those who have heart and spirit for the vision of the vision, and who are willing to make a difference.   

The most important aspect of effective strategic planning is execution. A well thought out strategy that has complete buy-in from the team and is well executed creates significant energy and momentum.