Embracing Strategy: A Journey from Step One, Step Two, and Pivot

 The words "STRATEGIC" stared back at me as my number one strength, and I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of disappointment. I had just taken the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment, and all my top five strengths were clustered in the strategic, executive, and influencer quadrants. I wanted to retake the test and fool it to say something different. As someone who considers myself a relational leader, this revelation was surprising and disappointing.

I’ve learned to accept strategy as a key player in how I think, lead, and love. I constantly ask myself, “What’s the best way to activate towards the goal?” Full circle from my initial understanding of strategy, it is now a key part of my career. I make a living as a strategy business consultant and business owner. As a consultant, I often encounter two scenarios where people get stuck in future planning and need to harness some strategy.

Scenario 1: Analysis Paralysis
One scenario is when individuals overthink every possible outcome of a decision. I recently spoke with an entrepreneur looking to open a bakery. They meticulously considered the type of kitchen they needed, the location, the pricing for profit margins, and the menu. Despite their thorough planning, they were unsure of their next steps. Strategy in this context involves looking at the future goals of the bakery and determining how to start today to facilitate growth. It’s not about having all the numbers figured out or anticipating every pitfall—it’s about progressing towards a goal.

Scenario 2: Hasty Decisions
The second scenario involves people or companies moving forward without considering the future impact of their actions. This often means rushing to achieve a small goal without regard for the bigger picture. Recently, I was brought in to assist with a merger and acquisition. Part of the rollout involved transitioning systems so both companies would use the same software. Senior leaders, eager to move quickly, overlooked the implications of shutting down the current software for the company being acquired. Allocating more time and thought would have helped retain employees by building trust, ultimately leading to a more successful acquisition and financial gain. Strategy keeps the big picture in mind while ensuring steady progress.

So, how to move forward strategically?

1. Know Your Goal and Plan the Next Three Steps:
   Define what success looks and feels like. For example, if the goal is getting your kids to school on time, think beyond just punctuality. Consider how to make them feel happy and ready for the day, which might change how you approach getting them into the car.
2. Start with the First Step, Celebrate, and Move onto Step Two:
   Begin with the first action toward your goal and celebrate your progress. For instance, if you want to write a book, start with an outline. Once the outline is complete, celebrate and move on to the next step, such as writing the first chapter or having someone review the outline.
3. Pivot - The Third Step Will Involve Changing the Plan:
   Your third step should always include assessing and making adjustments. Strategy requires constant evaluation and adaptation. Reflect on what worked, how people responded, and how you feel. Identify what needs to change and adjust accordingly while keeping the goal in mind.

By recognizing and embracing strategy, you can balance planning and action, always focusing on your ultimate goal. Whether strategy comes naturally or is a learned skill, understanding its importance is crucial. Try the strategy dance: dream the goal, make a plan, move forward, celebrate, move forward more, assess, and adjust the plan.