Google the phrase ‘is strategy dead?’ and you will find dozens of articles on the topic in high profile publications spanning many years. It’s been up for debate for a while, because strategy is naturally future-oriented, and the future is fraught with uncertainty.
How does this impact the process of strategic planning in business?
Many organizations do not set goals beyond two to three years; anything more is too uncertain. Once, there was a time when it was standard thinking to plan for five years or more. A series of Apple podcasts titled, Strategic Planning is Dead, Long Live Strategic Planning explores how strategy fits in organizations today. Ironically, like many of the articles you’ll find in a Google search, there are both similarities and differences between the topics covered, and more traditional planning, which leads to a larger question. Should we encourage the abandonment of strategic planning, or do we prepare for the possibility that some of what we are planning for might be shorter term or subject to change?
Let’s look at the two choices.
Be Nimble
If strategic planning is actually dead, then an organization would presumably require:
- Having a nimble, responsive management team.
- A rock solid method of communicating expectations to those staff expected to execute on the identified short term priorities.
- An ability to change on the fly.
The organization would certainly need a staffing plan that allowed them to hire the best and brightest.
In the book, Lord of the Flies, the orphaned boys experience chaos because there is no structure. As the saying goes, failing to plan is planning to fail.
Develop a Strategy
So, a key benefit of this option is the alignment of the organization to common goals. This assumes that strategic planning is still relevant and important, but recognizes that market shifts can require course changes. It is not a new concept – all good strategic plans are regularly reviewed and updated as required.
In some ways, both views are more similar than different. Both require:
- Clear direction, if only for the short term.
- Engaged employees who are committed to the success of the organization.
- Great communication practices to ensure employees have a clear understanding of what the organization wishes to accomplish and how they can contribute to that success.
Perhaps strategy isn’t dead at all; the fundamentals are all still there, but in today’s world we’re dealing with different constraints – shorter timelines, tighter labour markets, and more communication technology, although not necessarily better communication. These are the challenges for leaders today and tomorrow to overcome when they set a strategic course for their businesses.
Learn more about how your business can be one of the select few that sets itself apart with a sound strategy.