The discipline of a
strategic approach -
finding the right path before the work begins.
Seven steps refined over decades of public and private sector work. Each one earned in the room, each one calibrated to get you to yes as efficiently as possible.
The discipline of a strategic approach to rapidly find the right path before commencing work to solve your problem.
Everything starts with evidence. Everything ends with a committed result. In between is the work, and this is how we do it.
Seven steps, end to end.
- 01
Mine the data, seek the insights
As well as good old methods of analysis and contemplation, AI is providing unparalleled opportunities for efficiencies here. We take advantage of AI as another tool in the kit, with data and insights triangulated to ensure intellectual rigour.
- 02
Identify patterns to find the path of least resistance
The chainsaw company Stihl has a mantra: 'few moving parts'. When I started with them in marketing, I didn't understand the benefit. I assumed more moving parts would connote engineering superiority, I was wrong. Fewer moving parts means fewer points of failure. It's a lesson I've applied to all strategy and planning since. Keep it as simple as the complexity will possibly allow; where possible, reduce the complexity of the challenge down to its most simple construct, focussing 80% of the effort there, never forgetting to round out the solution with the last 20% that would otherwise bring it undone.
- 03
Agree the path forward
The whole team of stakeholders will ideally be on the same page for the endeavour. No one enjoys wasting resources going around in circles because there's disagreement on the best way forward. Alignment, not just on where we're going, but on how we're going to get there, is often achieved through conversation, and most particularly, having an in-depth understanding of the various stakeholder interests that guide their view. Keeping everyone informed of progress then helps ensure alignment is maintained. We often do this through brief stand-up check-ins, and it never ceases to amaze that while you may not think you need to touch base, the dividends always pay off.
- 04
Get on with it
As they say, you don't need to be terrific to start, but you have to start to be terrific. Once you've agreed the way forward, you'll have significantly better chance of achieving your outcome if you work swiftly to get there as quickly as possible. Dilly-dallying and delays will likely mean your stakeholders lose interest and invest their resources elsewhere, and your project loses energy. It can be tough to reignite the machine, so at StrategyEQ we strike while the iron is hot, then work relentlessly to get you to where you want to be as efficiently and effectively as possible.
- 05
Lay out the milestones
The path forward will present natural milestones for you to lock in and celebrate achievement. These are often about signed-off approvals, getting out to consultation, in-principle agreements, and finally 'getting to yes', whatever that means for what you're trying to achieve. Most importantly, StrategyEQ is adept at remaining focussed on what will ensure the endeavour is considered a success once it's done, remaining respectful and appreciative of stakeholder inputs through the process, and diligent about solving all the niggles that need to be smoothed out as you reach the finish line.
- 06
Lock in the milestones
A bit like a game of snakes and ladders, the path to achieve the outcomes you're seeking is rarely linear. StrategyEQ will work with you to lock in achievement of milestones so that when curveballs come in, the gameplay remains intact as much as possible. And if we need to, we'll help you pivot.
- 07
Close it out
So much of the hard work is done in the last 5% of the project plan. People finally read the proposal; realise the rubber is hitting the road and are now not sure they want it to proceed; stakeholders come up with 'why nots' to counter proposed 'whys'. At StrategyEQ we've rarely worked on a project that has just sailed through, generally it takes enormous application and diligence to solve all the last-minute concerns and close it out, getting to yes, whatever yes means for you.