Developing a strategic mindset Training for New Heads of Service, January 2009

Strategy

STRATEGY

TRAT

RA

STRATEGY The Nelson M.B.A.

1.Simple, clear plan. Not wildly imaginative. 2.Soaring / Bold / Clear / Noble / Inspiring “Goal”/ “Mission”/ “Quest” 3.Conversational – engaged directly with captains / managers 4.Gave managers lots of autonomy 5.Emphasis on ACTION : “Screw it, let’s do it!” 6.Vigour – “Dispenser of enthusiasm” (Peters) 7.Led by example. Always from the front. 8.Preferred to apologise than to ask permission. 9.Won because competitors were more frightened of losing than were anxious to win.

“Keep moving, anywhere,

“Strategy? Keep moving, anywhere, somewhere, but keep moving.” Ulysses S. Grant

“Strategy: an elaborate and systematic plan of action.” “The branch of military science dealing with military command and the planning and conduct of a war.” Princeton University

The problem with Strategy…

“Strategy is like sex. When all is said and done, more is said than done.” Bill Tregoe

“A good deal of strategic planning is like a ritual rain-dance. It has no effect on the weather, but those who engage in it think it does.” - ‘Strategic Planning, R.I.P.’ Tom Peters

“In a study of 200 companies in the Times 1000, 80% of directors said they had the right strategies, but only 14% thought they were implementing them well.” Cobbord, I. & Lawrie, G. 2001

“Despite 97% of directors claiming to have a ‘Strategic Vision’, only 33% reported achieving ‘significant strategic success.” Cobbord, I. & Lawrie, G. 2001

“ I saw that leaders placed too much emphasis on what some call high- level strategy, on intellectualizing and philosophizing, and not enough on implementation. People would agree on a project or initiative, and then nothing would come of it.” “ I saw that leaders placed too much emphasis on what some call high- level strategy, on intellectualizing and philosophizing, and not enough on implementation. People would agree on a project or initiative, and then nothing would come of it.” —Larry Bossidy & Ram Charan/ Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done

So what is Strategy?

“Systematic plan for achieving a specific goal or result.” Wikipedia

“All men can see these tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved.” Sun Tzu

University of Liverpool CES Strategy Vision / Target / Goal !!! Analysis: Clear statement on where we are now – strengths, weaknesses, positioning, competitors, budgets, etc. 1-3 year plan for how we intend to achieve the Goal. Aim = everyone must see where they fit. Resource implications (Realistic!) Anticipated obstacles / challenges / payoffs. Performance Indicators / Evaluators.

“Remember: strategy goes out of the window once the shooting starts.” President Dwight D. Eisenhower

Strategy: Final Points Involve everyone, but ultimately it’s your call. Strategy = 2%; Execution = 98% Execution is a systematic process of rigorously discussing hows and whats, tenaciously following through, and ensuring accountability. Strategy realisation calls for motivational leadership, performance monitoring, and constant evaluation. Your job: to live, breathe, obsess on the Strategy! (Successful leaders ALWAYS have a Plan B.)