Strategy as Learning

Organisations which release the knowledge and innovation of its people are more likely to sustain success over the long haul.

Excellent organisations are able to achieve and sustain high return on investment over long periods of time. Its people have learned how to identify and create new opportunities while meeting present responsibilities.

The excellent organisation increasingly strives to release the competence of its people in applying their unbounded energy in a self-committed and enthusiastic way to contribute to reaching difficult and challenging corporate goals.

Barriers to Corporate Excellence

The foremost barrier to corporate excellence is communication - the next greatest is implementation of the strategic plan.

"We plan down to the smallest detail, to the point where flexibility is sacrificed. We turn out great reports but profitability is on a declining scale".

The problems of planning include -

• A lack of objectivity/willingness to stand back and take in the whole terrain.
• A mechanistic top down approach which results in lots of red-tape and plans on paper which don’t actually alter the work being done on the ground.
• A rush to accomplishment. The desire to produce a planning report for the Board with no consideration that those who have to implement it are critical to its success.
• A lack of team work amongst members of the top team.
• Resistance: busyness doing all the current things and no appreciation that the key is to do the right things.

What is "Releasing the Power - the Grid approach to Strategic Planning" and how is it different?

The Grid approach to strategic planning has, as fundamental:

• The genius of the and - people with planning produce results.
• Inquiry - the exercise of sound inquiry to understand the risks to be managed and the opportunities to be had.
• Open communication to surface the cultural barriers.
• Building team understanding and commitment in the process of planning.
• Supplier relationship management: building co-operation and trust with key suppliers in the value chain.
• Knowledge and Innovation released.
• The plan "wired" into the people and the systems - no red tape.
• A one page strategy and individual job plans and accountabilities.

Planning to Plan - a Customised Approach

Organisations come in different shapes and sizes, they are at different stages in their life cycle and they face unique challenges in their external and internal environments.

The Grid approach to planning assignments is to establish sound, professional working relationships with the client and together assemble a customized approach which meets our success criteria.

• Does it drive win-win relationships with key stakeholder groups - employees, suppliers (internal and external service providers), and the community?
• Does it drive strategic commitment?
• Does it promote a sense of equal contribution and complimentarity at Corporate, Divisional and Departmental levels?
• Does it build new business?
• Does it protect existing cash-flows, and improve and expand existing services.
• Does it strengthen the financial viability of the organisation?
• Does it establish a creative environment for staff.