The 7 Red Flags of Strategy 🚩
These red flags predict your strategy will most likely fail.
1) It’s Not a Strategy 🚩
How to spot it:
• Long list of incoherent goals, initiatives.
• Actions do not lead to success.
• Very common red flag.
How to avoid it:
✔️ Focus on key challenges + opportunities.
✔️ Explain importance, response, outcome.
✔️ Formulate actions for 12-18 months.
2) Business School Strategy 🚩
How to spot it:
• Too much analysis, too little creativity.
• Process, PPT, framework overload.
• Seeking even more data.
• Too much planning.
How to avoid it:
✔️ Structure key strategy options clearly.
✔️ Focus analysis on barriers to those options.
3) Everybody’s Darling Strategy 🚩
How to spot it:
• A bit of everything so everyone’s happy.
• Overemphasizing consensus, teams.
• Avoiding to make tough decisions.
• Not making clear choices.
How to avoid it:
✔️ Create an open atmosphere.
✔️ Build trust with team members.
✔️ Environment of psychological safety.
✔️ Back opinions with data and evidence.
4) Ivory Tower Strategy 🚩
How to spot it:
• Fluff, buzzwords, esoteric concepts.
• Not addressing obvious challenges.
• Disconnected from daily business.
• Unrealistic, blue-sky objectives.
How to avoid it:
✔️ Involve organization in strategy.
✔️ Engage in strategic conversations.
✔️ Include customers, employees, partners.
5) Microwave Strategy 🚩
How to spot it:
• Prioritizing best practices over company needs.
• Copying others’ ideas or approaches.
How to avoid it:
✔️ Design YOUR UNIQUE strategy.
✔️ Consider challenges, opportunities, context.
6) The Circus is in Town 🚩
How to spot it:
• Launching strategy, no follow-up.
• Neglecting solid strategy.
• Overselling visions.
How to avoid it:
✔️ Regularly review strategy.
✔️ Seek early input and feedback.
✔️ Involve the organization in the process.
✔️ Establish comms and support structure.
7) Wag the Dog 🚩
How to spot it:
• Organizational politics, no action.
• No commitment to strategy.
• Lack of alignment.
How to avoid it:
✔️ Leaders speak with one voice and avoid interpretations
✔️ Everyone understands the importance of their daily contribution
What would you add?
Let me know in the comments below.
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