September 2005

Strategy is about making choices

Posted by Grant Brewer on 01 Sep 2005 | Comments (0)

Strategy in organisations needs to be a continuous, living thing – a continuous strategic conversation. But strategy isn't a planning event or a weekend away with your executive colleagues. Strategy should be translated into everyday behaviour throughout the business. This is one the biggest challenges of strategic leadership. Any leader can hire consultants to define a realistic and effective strategy for their business, even though the leadership shouldn't rely on consultants to generate their strategy since defining and implementing strategy is why leaders are paid. But not every leader can get the business to internalise that strategy so that it permeates to the very culture of the business.

Strategy is implemented through people and people live the strategy through their behaviour. Behaviour is a function of values, beliefs and emotions, each of which should be specifically considered by management when implementing strategy. Connecting the strategy to your team members' and your customers' beliefs and values can significantly strengthen its impact. It will be more powerful because the strategy will appeal to the hearts and minds of the team and the strategy will be executed by passionate team members that are committed to its success. This is a far cry from strategy executed in a command and control style. This is why it is wise for organisations to make a big deal about their values – it is just a pity that so many organisations limit their value systems to a poster on the office wall.