We often overcomplicate things. Every now and then it helps to follow the KISS Principle: Keep It Super Simple. As someone who has written a book about strategy, and teaches both corporate strategy and nonprofit strategy at University of Maryland, I can definitely complicate strategic planning. But let’s keep it simple. The first thing I ever learned about strategy is … [Read more...] about Strategy KISS
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Is Your Change Effort Ready to Launch?
Leading change is one of the most important – and challenging – senior leadership responsibilities. Unfortunately, research shows that most change efforts fail. While having a “sense of urgency” is widely regarded as important to a successful change effort, ironically – many efforts fail when a change is launched too soon. It takes a wise leader to balance the tension … [Read more...] about Is Your Change Effort Ready to Launch?
Your Strategy Refresh
The beginning of the year is a good time to look over your Strategy and give it a little refresh. The pace of change in our world seems to increase exponentially on a regular basis. This can frustrate a lot of people when they begin a Strategy effort. “What’s the point,” they may say, “the future is so unpredictable!” While this can be true, a solid Strategy will: … [Read more...] about Your Strategy Refresh
Align Your Strategy and Budget
What do you expect from your new strategy? Did you go through all of that strategic planning effort to decide to keep doing the same things? Are you just going to change the dates on the cover page and continue with the “same ‘ol, same ‘ol?” Never have I worked with an organization on their strategy who wants more of the same. They always want to be better. If you … [Read more...] about Align Your Strategy and Budget
Strategy, SWOTs, & To Do Lists
Your organization probably does not have a Strategy. Based on my consulting experience and research, I have found that what many organizations call their “strategy” is a glorified To Do List. Here is how you can turn your To Do List into a Strategy. Hopefully you have a Vision for your organization – an idea of what you want it to look like, ideally, in the future. If … [Read more...] about Strategy, SWOTs, & To Do Lists