When it comes to designing strategy, I see two approaches collide. Vision-driven strategy versus problem-driven strategy. Vision-driven strategy starts with describing a desired status quo, at some point in the future, for example 3-5 years from now. Problem-driven strategy, on the other hand, aims to define and address the biggest immediate hurdle to overcome to […]
Problem vs vision: what you should ground your strategy in Read Post »
When it comes to designing strategy, I often see two approaches collide. Vision-driven strategy versus problem-driven strategy. Vision-driven strategy starts with describing a desired status quo, at some point in the future, for example 3-5 years from now. Problem-driven strategy, on the other hand, aims to define and address the biggest immediate hurdle to overcome
Vision or no Vision – The Art of Storytelling in Strategy Read Post »
Most vision statements I’ve seen in fact aren’t vision statements. They are aspirations, inspirations, or slogans. Something businesses would publish on their websites. But nowhere close to being a vision in the sense of this definition: Vision can best be defined as an organization’s desired state at a certain point in the future. Function: It
How to Write a Great Vision Statement Read Post »
A business strategy typically addresses a mid-term time horizon of three to five years. Businesses should also explore what lies before and beyond this timeframe. To complement their strategy (mid-term), organizations need foresight (long-term) and signalling (short-term). Signalling addresses the immediate future, and foresight explores what’s beyond the planning horizon of the current business strategy. Identifying
Designing a Business Strategy – Between Foresight and Signalling Read Post »
I used to worry A LOT. I spent so much energy worrying about things outside of my control that I often felt helpless; and it got to a point where I started to suffer from depression. A game changer for me was using the circles of control, popularized by author Steven Covey. I reduced overwhelm, let go of anxiety,
How to Regain Control When You Feel Helpless Read Post »
My life is a reflection of the power of strategy. I grew up as a working class kid in the 80s and early 90s in a small rural village in Germany. As long as I remember I wanted to escape what I perceived as an environment of narrow mindedness stifling creativity and personal expression. But
How Strategy Empowers You and Your Business Read Post »
Let’s think ahead. With the Covid19 vaccination roll out in full swing, leaders are now imagining the post-pandemic organization. Visualizing how your business should look like some years down the road and distilling this future into a vision statement is your first step. Formulating a new vision, at some point in the process, leaders inevitably ask the question: “What makes a vision a great vision?” Since every organization has their specific history and context there is no generic answer to that. But there are some guidelines that will help you craft a powerful vision statement. I pulled these together, based on the vision statements I’ve helped clients create over more than a decade.
Imagining the post-pandemic corporation: what makes a great vision? Read Post »
