10 Good Questions on Strategy
We all face external factors that change fast, frequently and unpredictably. Regardless of sector, work is intensely dynamic. Are your strategy development and related planning processes responsive enough?
Re-tool and Refine
Strategy marshals the resources and actions that enable an organization to secure intended results. Strategy is crucial to the decisions that guide any program or organization. More and more, experts suggest the effort on strategy should equal that spent on operations. Getting strategy “right” matters a lot.
Analysis, Inclusion, Speed
Old routines, inadequate sensing, biased inputs, erroneous assumptions, poor timing, delays and other complexities in strategy development can severely limit program and organizational potential. Creating a clear, disciplined process for strategy that considers diagnosis to commitment, execution and assessment is fundamental. Better strategy and strategic management values analysis, inclusion and speed.
Strategy Development
Here are ten good questions to use as you retool strategy to improve performance:
- What outcomes define success for your organization?
- Who holds responsibility for strategy?
- What are your key issues, critical decisions, data and uncertainties?
- What framework exists for colleagues to inform, develop, implement and revise strategy?
- How are strategic priorities named and resources allocated?
- What internal communications are used to effectively express strategy and related plans?
- How are cross-organizational projects handled?
- Are savvy, fast decisions made through clear processes to support strategy?
- How are directors/trustees and partners involved in the development and execution of
- How is the implementation of strategy and related plans tracked?
Lisa Wyatt Knowlton , Ed.D. leads Wyatt Advisors, a resource for effective people and organizations. See: www.wyattadvisors.com. Lisa has cross-sector and international experience. She is an author and W.K. Kellogg Leadership Fellow. Contact: lwyattknowlton@gmail.com.