What is Strategy anyway?
The term “strategy” often carries an air of intimidation, evoking a sense of complexity that can make it feel out of reach. Before my EMBA at London Business School I had never taken a dedicated strategy class. Like many, I questioned my role in shaping organizational strategy. Was I contributing in meaningful ways?
For a long time, I viewed strategy as something distant and abstract—until I delved into my EMBA courses. In lectures on the fundamentals of strategy and on Strategic Growth and Transformation, I discovered that strategy is not an intimidating concept; it’s woven into the fabric of our everyday actions.
Understanding Strategy: The Foundation of Growth
Strategy is about how we work, why we make certain decisions, and how we navigate challenges. It’s the framework that helps clarify our paths and prepares us for unexpected turns. It’s accessible and relevant to all of us, regardless of our roles.
Strategy is more than setting a target or building an action plan. It is about making deliberate choices that carve a unique space for your business in a crowded market. It requires an intimate understanding of both your internal capabilities and the external forces at play. Only by blending these insights can businesses craft strategies that are resilient, adaptable, and forward-looking — not just reactive to today’s challenges but positioned for tomorrow’s opportunities.
The Core Principles Behind Strategic Thinking
At its heart, strategic thinking rests on a few timeless principles. True strategic thinkers see the big picture even when managing everyday details. They develop a forward-looking insight that helps them anticipate shifts before they occur. They are agile, continuously adapting plans as new information surfaces rather than rigidly following outdated playbooks. Above all, they maintain strong alignment between every action and the organization’s overarching purpose — ensuring that each decision reinforces the bigger vision.
The below clearly summarize these fundamental principles that strategic thinkers apply:
- Holistic View: Seeing the big picture while managing the details.
- Forward-Looking Insight: Anticipating future challenges and opportunities.
- Adaptability: Being prepared to pivot strategies as new information emerges.
- Alignment: Ensuring every action ties back to the overarching vision.
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So how do we go about creating structure for strategy to thrive?
Developing a Strategic Mindset: A Daily Practice
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