Strategy is not solely determined by top leaders but can be discovered through listening to frontline workers.
Crafting strategy arguments leads to constructive debates, engagement, and effective strategic communication.
Deep dives
The Importance of Strategy and Reflection
Strategy is crucial for success in business and life. Reflecting on strategy helps organizations and individuals achieve success by securing economic prosperity and allocating resources effectively.
Misconceptions About Strategy
A common misconception among leaders is that strategy is not their job. Strategy is often seen as a top-down dictation, but in reality, all individuals in an organization play a role in shaping and executing strategy. Additionally, strategy is not a static plan but requires continual adaptation to the changing landscape.
Crafting Strategy Arguments for Success
Crafting strategy arguments involves explaining how investments and activities lead to economic value. These arguments provide a model to understand what is working and what needs adjustment, fostering constructive debates and discussions. Strategy arguments encourage engagement, empower individuals, and facilitate effective strategic communication.
As Professor Jesper Sørensen sees it, a winning strategy is the result of conversations, not commands.
Sørensen says strategy can be directed from the C-suite, but it doesn’t have to be. “Lots of great strategies are discovered,” he says, “they're discovered because the leaders were able to listen to their frontline workers or their frontline managers.” A more iterative approach, says Sørensen, helps companies adapt their strategy to an ever-changing landscape.
In the latest episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Sørensen joins host and lecturer Matt Abrahams to discuss how organizations can use better communication to craft better strategies.