Everyone has their own definition of strategy. The word strategy is so overused that it’s all but lost its meaning.
Strategy can be a very powerful thing when it’s crafted and executed correctly.
I’ve been fortune to learn about strategic planning from a retired executive of a Fortune 100 company.
He said two things that make so much sense to me:
1. Strategies are the choices you force.
2. If it’s not simple, it won’t work
After he said that second line, he proceeded to hold up a single sheet of paper partially filled with some blocks of text. He said, “this is the strategic plan for a multi-billion dollar business.”
One page.
Multi-billion dollar business.
I’ve seen 100-page strategic plans for businesses not even a fraction that size. You know what? Those plans get thrown in a drawer and never looked at again.
Simplicity is a beautiful thing. Constantly ask yourself, “how can this be simpler.” It will serve you well.
The simple gets done…it’s as simple as that.
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Bryson,
To me the key driver of why simplicity and clarity are key in Strategic Planning is that success should be measured, not on your plans but by your results. Driving Strategic Planning through an organization so that everyone understands and has a role to deliver – that will help deliver your results.
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