And yet, it is like an addiction. Aided and abetted by our numerous devices, we all do it. I am not going to try to convince you to go cold turkey and stop totally. But I am going to point out what we all sacrifice when we multitask: creativity and strategic thinking. We know that multitasking robs us of focus. None of us would be very happy if the doctor performing … [Read more...] about Multitasking is the Enemy
Strategy
Ignoring Stakeholders
One of the first things I do in a strategy consulting engagement is to encourage organizations to create ways to meaningfully involve stakeholders in the process. Often I get responses like: “We already know what they think.” “We just don’t have the time.” “Huh? Why would we do that?” We use the term “stakeholders” to refer to any person inside or outside of the … [Read more...] about Ignoring Stakeholders
What Does a Great Strategy Report Look Like?
I am often asked about what a good strategy report looks like – the kind you would submit to your Board and then use to guide your organization for the coming years. I have seen this done well by a number of organizations, and done poorly by even more. But, recently I had a chance to work with a group – Health Care for the Homeless in Baltimore – which I think has done an … [Read more...] about What Does a Great Strategy Report Look Like?
Laser Focus
I have been looking over a bunch of strategic plans for nonprofits recently, and one huge thing jumps out at me – No Focus! Your strategy should provide you with Laser Focus. This is why the cornerstone of the strategy process I use with nonprofits is their three – five strategic goals for the next five years. And then, after SWOT analysis, we add the strategic themes … [Read more...] about Laser Focus
Strategy vs. GSD
I have a good friend who recently posted this quote from Southwest Airlines Founder, Herb Kelleher, on Facebook: “We Have a Strategic Plan: It’s Called Doing Things.” This is funny. But if you know anything about Herb – it is also tongue in cheek. His brilliant strategy for Southwest has produced record-breaking profits for the airline for decades. So, he surely has … [Read more...] about Strategy vs. GSD