Walt, this is an AWESOME treatise on Strategy. Thank you. 2 comments. And they are small things. #1. Quoting from texts 20 years ago is fine. A Greek philosopher once said, 'Know Thyself.' We're still trying to unpack that compelling two world challenge. #2. Thank you for saying 'Organization Model' instead of 'Organization Structure.' I'm a bit of an Organization Design snob. Too many organization redesign efforts begin with Org Charts. YIKES! Org Charts are basically Exception Processing Charts. I coached so many clients to start with Organization Models which INCLUDES the most important component: CUSTOMERS! I suppose I just posted a mini Friday Thoughts (rant). Thank you for stirring the pot (as usual).
Hey Walt, Phill Jolley here, Charlies Fire Chief. Great thoughts as usual. Would love to get your thoughts on how to apply this to public service. As well, I think you would be a great speaker for my guys at some point.
Hi Phill - so glad you found it useful ! I believe the basic ideas apply to public service as much as they do the private sector - perhaps more so. Achieving a specific outcome in uncertain times is very challenging... and while the Fire Department mission and objectives might seem obvious, I know from the stories that the expectations and challenges have changed dramatically.
And I would be honored to chat with your team anytime ! Just say the word ! Would I get to turn the siren on ??
Your point on "people are our most important asset" being cliche rings true. And while I'm a huge advocate for culture and a sound operating model/org structure, this alone will not drown out lack of effective strategy. Given my current endeavors, this post resonates the most of any the last few months.
Thanks Daryl - yes - a classic - thanks for reminding me - also a great source for a down to earth description of strategy and how to build one ! Thanks !
Simple and clear, also key things that we tend to forget. Thank you Walt!
Walt, this is an AWESOME treatise on Strategy. Thank you. 2 comments. And they are small things. #1. Quoting from texts 20 years ago is fine. A Greek philosopher once said, 'Know Thyself.' We're still trying to unpack that compelling two world challenge. #2. Thank you for saying 'Organization Model' instead of 'Organization Structure.' I'm a bit of an Organization Design snob. Too many organization redesign efforts begin with Org Charts. YIKES! Org Charts are basically Exception Processing Charts. I coached so many clients to start with Organization Models which INCLUDES the most important component: CUSTOMERS! I suppose I just posted a mini Friday Thoughts (rant). Thank you for stirring the pot (as usual).
Hey Walt, Phill Jolley here, Charlies Fire Chief. Great thoughts as usual. Would love to get your thoughts on how to apply this to public service. As well, I think you would be a great speaker for my guys at some point.
Hi Phill - so glad you found it useful ! I believe the basic ideas apply to public service as much as they do the private sector - perhaps more so. Achieving a specific outcome in uncertain times is very challenging... and while the Fire Department mission and objectives might seem obvious, I know from the stories that the expectations and challenges have changed dramatically.
And I would be honored to chat with your team anytime ! Just say the word ! Would I get to turn the siren on ??
Your point on "people are our most important asset" being cliche rings true. And while I'm a huge advocate for culture and a sound operating model/org structure, this alone will not drown out lack of effective strategy. Given my current endeavors, this post resonates the most of any the last few months.
While it’s over 10 years old, I find Professor Richard Rumelt’s Good Strategy Bad Strategy a classic
Thanks Daryl - yes - a classic - thanks for reminding me - also a great source for a down to earth description of strategy and how to build one ! Thanks !
Your point that a strategy should say what you won’t do is incredibly important and in my experience the most frequently omitted element.