Strategy In A Fog

Strategy isn't about whether or not you use the "recommended" model or framework, whether that be Porter's 5 forces, Mckinsey's 7-S, the BCG Matrix, SWOT (you should be fired if SWOT is your mainstay), or any other host of models.

If any one of your people or a consultant says they've applied a model and therefore can be certain they "got it right", they're wrong.

Strategy is a way of thinking about the choices you have to make, in order to achieve a desirable outcome.

Note I didn't say your "desired" outcome. That's because the outcome you first envisioned could be drastically different to what you imagined when you get to the end. But if you've navigated well, you've either arrived at the precise destination or an even better one.

When you're going through fog, you may have a picture in your head of where you want to be and may head in that direction. But you'll only have clarity once you exit the fog.

Meantime, you have to choose a direction and manage your voyage so you don't hit any rocks ahead and your people come out well, whole, assured and excited for the next stage.

That's the excitement! If you knew exactly, in every way, how it would work out and it does it means you haven't tried hard enough. There should be unexpected turns, challenges and surprises.

There are, however, ways to make those decisions all along that have clarity about daily priorities, weighing risks, driving innovations, supporting performance and charting your course for safe and successful havens.

Lead with CLARITY!

Peter McLean

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