Strategy is an integrated explanation of how an organization is going to guide its performance into the future. In installment #2 of “What is Strategy?” we consider an organization’s future. If Strategy guides performance “into the future, ” then an obvious question is “Where are you going?” To answer that question, I first suggest that an organization identify its Mission … [Read more...] about What is Strategy? Part II
vision-setting
When More Duct Tape Won’t Do It
A number of years ago I was flying to Rockland, Maine with a couple friends and we needed to take a small puddle jumper for the final leg of the trip. Before we took off, the pilot got out a ladder and went over to the wing near the window where we were sitting. Then he pulled out some duct tape and applied it to something we could not see on top of the wing. Duct tape … [Read more...] about When More Duct Tape Won’t Do It
Fighting Gravity
Why is it that even the most inspiring visions sometimes . . . fizzle? It’s because excellence and true leadership are really, really hard. It’s like Fighting Gravity. Gravity – normalness – pulls at us every day. Try to escape gravity by pulling away from the “norm” to do something “special,” “unique,” and “exceptional?” Gravity tries to pull you back down. “Who are … [Read more...] about Fighting Gravity
The Value of Impossible Dreams
Regardless of one’s political affiliation, the fact that President Obama’s second inauguration coincides with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day provides an opportunity for reflection on many levels. When Dr. King gave his “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963, many people thought that his dream was impossible. Given how divided the country was at that time, one can appreciate how … [Read more...] about The Value of Impossible Dreams
The $100 Billion Challenge
In an effort to help people “Think Outside the Box, ” I have developed a new exercise that I invite you to try out as you create visions for the future. One of the problems in getting people to think creatively is that we are so immersed in our resource constraints that it is difficult to break free from them to dream of what we really want. So here’s the exercise: Tell a … [Read more...] about The $100 Billion Challenge