This week we’re looking at what the best Strategy People do differently and why it matters. I’ve included a shoutout from my LInkedIn post with the best answer. And don’t forget to register for my live Culture session, September 16th to learn the approach of the best Strategy People.
Who are the Best Strategy People
The best Strategy People aren’t the ones with the most clever frameworks. They aren’t the ones with the most innovative Ideas. They aren’t the ones with the highest IQ.
They’re the ones who can create forward motion in complex environments.
Let me explain what I mean by Strategy People: strategy managers, strategy professionals, strategy consultants, and business unit managers who develop strategy as part of their day jobs. Strategy People often excel at insights, but I’ve noticed over the years that many struggle to motivate tangible action.
If you work in strategy and want to stay relevant, you’ll need to shift your balance from analytical to participative work.
A deck is not a strategy. If that’s all you’re delivering, you’re behind.
The common thread between the best Strategy People I’ve worked with over the years is culture. I can only scratch the surface here. For deeper insight, join my 60-minute express session on September 16th, Culture as a Change Catalyst.
The amazing influence of the best Strategy People
Not long ago, I supported a business unit where a strategy team had spent months producing a brilliant analysis. Their insights were sound and well received. But by the time they presented them, the executive-in-charge had new priorities. The moment was gone.
They were operating in what I call “the dark room”, too disconnected from the people on the ground. They were smart, and thought they had all the answers. The result was an elegant pack (over 100 pages). And irrelevance.
On the other hand, I’ve seen the level of influence that the best Strategy People have. It comes from their Cultural Intelligence: the kind that makes people listen, even when they don’t have to. I’ve seen these people be singled out by the CEO, being deferred to amongst all their peers, been able to influence the strategy way outside of their own role scope. These are the best Strategy People. The influence strategic direction and real action.
People take their cues from the Best Strategy People
3 Tips from the Best Strategy People
1. Build support while the strategy is still forming
Most Strategy People wait until the strategy is approved before they start thinking about change management and engaging people. That’s too late. The best Strategy People gather input and commitment while they’re still shaping the direction. Start by involving key influencers early, not to validate, but to co-create and refine your approach. Building momentum before you present the final version gives you a head start most strategists miss.
Best answer from my recent LInkedIn post about what differentiates Strategy People: “Strategy doesn’t work when we try to mail it in!” – Francis Wade, ex McKinsey colleague and Strategist based in Jamaica. (And here’s an excerpt from Francis’ podcast where he chatted to me recently).
2. Develop Cultural Intelligence
No longer can you throw your strategy “over the wall” and hope it sticks. The best Strategy People I’ve seen are Culture-Friendly. They scan the culture for important cues. What messages resonate best here? How will decisions really be made or influenced? Instead of ignoring culture or trying to override it, adapt your process to it. Build your Cultural Intelligence here.
3. Use AI to increase your Culture Intelligence
Strategic thinking doesn’t go away with AI. It just shifts. The Strategy People who stay relevant aren’t the ones who fear automation, they’re the ones who use it to increase their impact. I use AI to speed up research, iterate strategic solutions, and importantly, test Culturally Intelligent ideas.
Strategy People, please believe me, the shift is clear. Your value comes not from knowing the answer, but from enabling progress to allow everyone to find the answer.
What are you going to do differently in your strategy role this month? Please reply and let me know!
“Today I shall behave as if this is the day I will be remembered.”
Dr Seuss
PS More Ways to Accelerate your Strategy
Looking to move your strategy forward? Lisa Carlin works with selected clients directly to go from strategy to plan to result. Email Lisa.
A bespoke in-house Bootcamp is the fastest way to learn. Get the skills your leaders and teams need to go from Strategy to Plan to Results. AI optional. More here.
Subscribe here to ensure you don’t miss this weekly newsletter.
Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn
About Lisa Carlin
Lisa Carlin is a Strategy Execution Specialist. She works with business leaders to go from strategy to plan to result, in tough environments. Her clients love having her expertise and guidance to navigate their workplace culture and use AI to achieve success.
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.
PPS Culture as a Change Catalyst Live in September
Join me live on Zoom for a one-hour session for specific things you can do to influence strategy within your culture. You will grow your Culture Intelligence and never look at strategy in the same way ever again.
