Productive conflict is essential for developing a collaborative strategy, emphasizing the importance of a dual approach to strategy that incorporates both top-down and bottom-up communication. Effective strategy articulation should motivate and aid decision-making while being open to feedback from all levels of the organization. Listening to frontline workers can reveal better strategies and necessitates an adaptable mindset toward evolving assumptions. Challenging and testing these assumptions is vital, as what was once thought accurate may shift over time. Storytelling emerges as a key component of strategic communication, relying on logical coherence and a clear narrative. A good strategic story must have a logical structure that ensures assumptions lead to intended outcomes, particularly when discussing future scenarios. The assessment of strategy should focus on internal coherence to evaluate arguments effectively, merging inspiration with logical validity to ensure sound strategic decisions.
Why organizational strategy can be both top-down and bottom-up.
As Professor Jesper Sørensen sees it, a winning strategy is the result of conversations, not commands, and that 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.
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Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Host Matt Abrahams introduces Jesper Sørensen, professor of organizational behavior at the GSB
(00:01:38) Defining Strategy
The core of strategy as securing an organization's economic prosperity, distinct from planning.
(00:03:21) Common Misconceptions about Strategy
Misunderstandings leaders often have regarding the nature of strategy
(00:05:07) Strategy Argument
The concept of a strategy argument, a structured approach to strategic decision-making.
(00:07:04) Strategy as a Communication Tool
The need for strategic communication to align and adapt within an organization.
(00:10:53) The Dynamic Nature of Strategy
How strategies evolve and the importance of feedback from all organizational levels.
(00:12:29) Storytelling in Strategy Communication
The power of storytelling in creating and communicating a coherent strategic vision.
(00:14:55) Propagating Strategy Through Storytelling
How leaders can use storytelling to align their teams with a strategy.
(00:17:01) The Final Three Questions
Jesper shares communication advice he’s received, a communicator he admires, and his ingredients for successful communication.
(00:23:39) Conclusion
- (00:00) - Introduction
- (02:21) - Defining Strategy
- (04:04) - Common Misconceptions about Strategy
- (05:50) - The Concept of a Strategy Argument
- (07:47) - Strategy as a Communication Tool
- (11:36) - The Dynamic Nature of Strategy
- (13:12) - Storytelling in Strategy Communication
- (15:38) - Propagating Strategy Through Storytelling
- (17:44) - The Final Three Questions
- (24:22) - Conclusion