Your Strategy Journey: Do You Know What Stage You Are In?

A few years ago, I had a business trip to Tokyo and decided to go a day ahead for some sightseeing. Despite the fact that I spoke absolutely NO Japanese (and this was before translator apps!) I chose to explore the city without a guide, to get steeped in the culture.

As I stepped out of my hotel and onto the street, I was confronted with a sea of faces, sounds, and language very different from my own. It was a packed day of exploring: the bustling Tokyo fish market, beautiful tea gardens, and temples.

As it got dark, I decided to head back to the hotel and prepare for the next day.

So I walked. And walked. And walked. Nothing looked familiar.

After an hour, I finally had to admit to myself: I was lost. My heart started to race.

·     It was dark.

·     I was by myself.

·     I didn’t know where I was.

·     I didn’t know how to ask for directions.

·     And if I WAS given directions, I wouldn’t know what it meant!

I was getting a little panicky when I spied a well-lit kiosk next to a metro entrance.

And there it was: A map with a BIG RED ARROW!

Though I didn’t understand ANY of the Japanese, I knew immediately that the big red arrow meant “YOU ARE HERE!”

Suddenly, I calmed down.

I was able to locate where I had been, figure out where I was, and where the hotel was. (I had actually been walking an HOUR in the wrong direction!)

 But it was okay.

I knew where I was and where I was trying to go.

Whether in a shopping mall or a park or a train station, a “You Are Here” sign provides CONTEXT as you make your way on a journey. It helps you understand where you are, where you’ve come from and where you're going. You can get an idea of what’s ahead, and identify places along the way that you might want to explore.

And when you lose your way and get stuck, knowing where you are can help you get oriented so you can calm down and get back on your journey.

Your new strategy is a journey as well.

Having an understanding of where you are on your strategy journey can help you and your organization get your bearings.

In my work with CEOs and boards who are driving a new high-stakes strategy, I find it helps to look through three lenses:

o  Your Strategy Process Journey

Much of this journey is a process of translating your big inspiring idea into reality. Are you at the beginning and just defining the problem you are trying to solve? Are you getting people aligned to execute? Or are you optimizing your strategy for an environment that has suddenly changed?

o  Your Strategy Adoption Journey

 So much of a successful strategy is about getting people to take new action and come along with you. Are you finding the right people who will jump on board quickly? Or are you doing some heavy lifting to convince those who are a little more cautious?

o  Your Strategy Mindset Journey

Taking a new direction isn’t always about DOING. A lot of your success depends on your MINDSET as you approach change. Have you really let go of your previous strategy -- or are you secretly longing for the old days? Or are you just dipping your toe in the water, but not yet committed? How about your leadership team? Your board? Your first-line managers? Your front line?

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Like a big red “YOU ARE HERE!” sign, understanding what stage you are in on your strategy journey helps you find your bearings. You can focus on the important decisions that need to be made right now. You can calibrate your expectations and prepare yourself --and your organization for what is to come.

It can also help you lead more confidently – even when you may FEEL a little lost!

Looking through three lenses can provide some important context as you lead a new strategy. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing some ideas about how to apply each of these perspectives.

Are you responsible for driving a new strategy this year? What lens are you using to make sure you don't get lost? I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

-      Susan Schramm

#leadership #strategy #riskmanagement #innovation #business

This article is part of my LinkedIn newsletter series, Driving a New Direction to equip and energize leaders with practical ways to move people forward, whether you're leading a new strategy (or getting one back on track!).

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