Unlocking the What and How of Strategy

Strategy is a word that gets thrown around a lot in conversations about business, growth and success. But how often do we pause to ask, 'what is strategy and how do we implement it effectively?' More importantly, is your organisation clear on what strategy truly entails, or are you getting lost in the jargon?

During this impactful, three-hour session you will have the opportunity to explore your own strategy and how a few simple changes could provide an immediate positive impact right across your business.

We will explore:

• Overcomplication: If your strategy is full or jargon or too complex, people might not grasp it fully.
• Lack of clarity on roles: Team members might not understand their part in driving the strategy forward.
• Reactive culture: When tactics dominate the conversation, teams can lose sight of the larger goal.
• Measurement and evaluation: To ensure progress is steady and impactful.

Think of strategy as the "what" and the supporting tactics as the"how".

Beyond the what and how, even the most brilliant strategies can fall apart if they're poorly communicated. A common issue is a strategy that feels abstract or detached, making it hard for the team to connect or engage.

Can You Be Successful Without a Clear Strategy?

While short-term wins are possible without a clear strategy, long-term success is highly unlikely. A lack of strategy often results in:

• Scattered efforts with no sense of direction
• Confusion among team members on priorities
• Wasted time and money on initiatives that don't pay off

Ultimately, strategy acts as your north star. Without it, you might move, but you won't consistently move towards what matters most.

How Long Should Your Strategy Be Set For?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but your strategy should align with your industry and organisational dynamics. For instance:

• Rapidly evolving industries: 6-month to 1-year strategy with regular reviews
• Stable industries: 3 to 5 year plan works best

The key is maintaining flexibility in your tactics, the implementation or action might evolve as the market demands, while your strategy can remain relevant.

Can AI Develop Your Strategy?

AI has changed the game in countless ways, and strategy development is no exception. With tools like machine learning and predictive analytics, AI can:

• Analyse market trends and customer data to identify opportunities
• Optimise resource allocation
• Offer insights that shape your strategic direction

However, AI cannot replace the human touch. Developing a strategy still requires emotional intelligence, cultural insight, vision and creativity. Think of AI as your assistant, not your CEO.

The Difference Between Strategy and Tactics

One of the greatest misconceptions is confusing strategy with tactics. While closely related, they serve very different purposes:

• Strategy defines what you want to achieve
• Tactics outline how you'll achieve it and provide something to measure

Indicators to Evolve Your Strategy:

• Your long-term vision no longer matches market conditions
• Internal or external changes
• The strategy is no longer aligned with your organisational purpose

Signs to revisit your Tactics:

• You're not meeting short-term milestones
• Your initiatives aren't gaining traction, despite a clear direction
• Teams report inefficiencies in current processes

Who Should be Involved in Creating your Strategy?

• Collaboration ensures your strategy is realistic, actionable and embraced by those responsible for its execution

Where to Start

• Know your 'why'. What's the ultimate objective of the organisation
• Assess your current position
• Clarify your values
• Define your metrics. Decide upfront how you'll measure progress and success
• Create an action plan. Identify the initial tactics needed to start moving toward your goals