Dive into challenging traditional vision and strategy approaches in organizations, sharing stories of triumphs and failures. Explore the complexities of bridging the gap between vision and execution, highlighting the importance of adapting to industry trends. Discuss the evolution of a team's vision towards customer-driven strategies, emphasizing flexibility and experimentation. Delve into the differences between vision, strategy, and tactics, and the challenges of operationalizing strategies within organizations. Explore the double-edged nature of having a clear vision, advocating for multiple visions and small actionable steps.
Question traditional explicit visions in organizations for more flexibility and adaptability.
Embrace modest objectives and agile strategies to navigate uncertainty effectively.
Deep dives
Challenging the Traditional Concept of Strategy
In the podcast, the speakers question the traditional notion of having a concrete vision and strategy for an organization. They highlight the risks associated with explicit, detailed visions, emphasizing the challenges of aligning diverse visions within the team. The discussion focuses on the limitations of a singular, explicit vision and the need to explore alternative frameworks that allow for flexible, evolving paths.
The Value of Modest Objectives over Big Audacious Goals
The podcast underscores the importance of embracing modest objectives over grandiose, detailed visions. By encouraging a more agile, adaptable approach focused on achievable short-term goals, organizations can navigate uncertainty and complexity more effectively. The speakers advocate for a strategy that prioritizes managing constraints and evolutionary potential in the present moment, fostering a more responsive and resilient organizational culture.
Dismantling the Tyranny of Explicit Visions
The speakers propose dismantling the 'tyranny of explicit visions' within organizations and opting for a more open, exploratory approach to envisioning the future. They caution against making visions overly specific and binding, highlighting the risks of anchoring too rigidly to a singular vision. Encouraging a culture of multiple, divergent visions and holding these visions lightly can foster innovation and adaptability within the organizational context.
Navigating the Vision Chasm with Estuarine Mapping
The podcast introduces the concept of 'Estuarine Mapping' as a method to navigate the challenges posed by the 'Vision Chasm'. By refraining from solidifying explicit visions and focusing on managing present constraints, organizations can enhance their strategic agility and responsiveness. The speakers advocate for a more flexible, iterative approach that allows for the exploration of diverse futures and promotes continuous adaptation and evolution.
Strap in for some high-quality sleep deprived thinking out loud.
We talk about the standard approach towards vision and strategy in organisations, and we challenge it. With some stories of past triumphs and pratfalls based on setting vision and suggest of alternative ways to go about Doing Strategy.
We refer to some LinkedIn posts during this chat ... here they are!
Dr Jabe Bloom's post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jabebloom_scanning-the-future-requires-a-diversity-activity-7211396177232060417-kCeb?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
John Cutler's post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/johnpcutler_theres-a-big-thing-missing-in-most-it-starts-activity-7212101683579953153-55qS?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop