A leader’s guide to an organization-wide strategy journey

Abstract

Purpose

The methodology for developing transformational strategy in a dynamic business environment described in this article is based on three principles: 1. Draw inspiration from the future. 2. Be organizationally inclusive. 3. Take a portfolio approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The article guides leaders through the five steps required to implement the transition from a sequential and top-down strategy process to a continual and organizationally inclusive one.

Findings

Making a portfolio of competitive opportunities part of program management and reporting requires more than a new approach to solving strategic puzzles. It requires new ways of managing strategy and new ways of working – not once but on a continual basis.

Practical implications

Rather than thinking of strategy as a single perfect plan with a multi-year deployment cycle, think of it as a portfolio of competitive opportunities with each one managed throughout its life cycle.

Originality/value

This article lays out in detail the process of shifting strategy development from focusing on research, analyses and extrapolations of current issues to looking to the future for strategic inspiration and purpose.

Citation

Aurik, J., Fabel, M. and Jonk, G. (2015), "A leader’s guide to an organization-wide strategy journey", Strategy & Leadership, Vol. 43 No. 3, pp. 15-24. https://doi.org/10.1108/SL-03-2015-0026