Strategy is making a choice between options. And it is the role of leaders to make the tough decisions for strategy execution and transformation.

I’ve written about the benefits of an open strategy process, in lieu of traditional approaches that I call “dark room” strategy.

Someone asked me whether this means I’m an advocate for democratic strategy.

I’m not.

Strategy is NOT democratic.

Strategy means making a choice between options. If you sit on the fence you don’t have a strategy.

And it is the role of leadership to make this choice, to make these tough decisions, to make the tradeoffs based on the evidence and opinions. Leadership makes the high level strategic choices, sets the parameters, the “non negotiables”.

There are always “non negotiables” that are not up for debate.

Once leadership has set the “non negotiables”, there are always plenty of “negotiables” where you can involve others, your team, and have an open process. The trickiest part is knowing how to balance the negotiables and non negotiables for maximum payoff and influence.

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About Lisa Carlin

Lisa Carlin is a Strategy Execution Specialist.  She works with business leaders to plan and execute their strategies in tough environments.  Her clients love having her expertise and guidance to navigate their workplace culture and use AI to achieve success.

Lisa created The Turbochargers Hub, so leaders can master the art of strategic influence and generate momentum for organizational change.

Lisa is author of the globally acclaimed newsletter, Turbocharge Weekly, read by 8,000 business leaders.

Lisa’s career includes roles at McKinsey and Accenture, then running her own business since 1999.  Over this time she has delivered over 50 implementations with a 96% success rate.

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Written by Lisa Carlin for FutureBuilders: https://www.futurebuildersgroup.com/strategy-is-not-democratic/

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