The start of 2011 is looming. Many organizations have faced immense challenges in the past three years that are shuttering doors and sending hardworking employees into the streets. Yet, some organizations are thriving. How can you beat the odds and make 2011 your best year yet?
Go deep with your Strategy String. When times are uncertain, logic tells us to hold back and play it safe. But setting strategy today requires amping up your competitive edge (as well as being nimble and vigilant, regardless of your organization's size). That means setting aside your fear and telling your story with increased fervor.
For example, Sarah Lateiner of Arizona changed directions when launching her small business. Instead of doing the logical thing and sticking with her educational path of becoming a lawyer, she used a personal experience to launch 180 Automotive, an auto mechanic shop. Instead of competing solely on being another "me-too" service provider, she uses her shop to educate and empower women to take care of their vehicles. The result is a strategic advantage that shapes a deeply-defined Strategy String. With educating and empowering women, her vision, mission, and values clearly show through in everyday actions, and her positioning sharply delivers a competitive edge that no one else can touch. Watch her story.
So take the plunge when crafting your Strategy String: don't hold back. Bring the core of your organization and its passion to the forefront. Use the Strategy String to continuously tell the story to your employees, your vendors, your customers -- all of your stakeholders. If you can substitute someone else's products and services into your vision and mission and it still makes sense, then your Strategy String lacks the depth to highlight your competitive advantage. You can survive without depth, but it's hard to swim when your knees keep bumping the bottom of the lake. Without taking the plunge, your purpose, people, and profits will always be wading in the shallows.
FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION
Does your Strategy String have the depth needed to showcase your competitive advantage? Do all of your stakeholders know about it? If your strategy is missing depth and keeping you from thriving in 2011, call me to schedule a planning session: 206-782-4040.
