Many of you are probably thinking this strategic alignment between Vision, Strategy and Goals sounds all well and good in theory, but in these current times, can we really pull it off? This quick answer is an emphatic yes both from history and in conversations with entrepreneurs and mid-sized businesses working hard to step out of this current situation ahead of their competitors from a position of strength. However, it also brought me back to a book I read about a year ago that I believe sheds some light on the importance of this alignment as well.
"Get There Early, Sensing the Future to Compete in the Present" by Bob Johansen provides some interesting ideas on how to look ahead in order to execute the right goals today. As the former CEO of the Institute for the Future (IFTF), Bob Johansen helps the reader tackle the ultimate paradox for business leaders, the inherent challenges of forecasting the future balanced against the absolute need to do so in order to thrive. He introduces a relatively straightforward cyclic model of Foresight => Insight => Action and back to Foresight. Foresight comes from the ability to sense, and make sense of, the external environment in which the business operates. It is a bit of an intuitive path to Insight represented by a certain amount of "Aha" moments suggesting the right direction to move. Much listening and brainstorming are characteristics of the Insight phase. Action needs no explanation, but it is crucial to note it follows Insight. So the actions are not just any actions, they are the correct actions for the business. They are actions not controlled by others, but steered by a vision of the future.
The other concept I believe is very relevant to each of us in today's market is the idea of the VUCA World. To those who see the world for all its nasty challenges and dangers, VUCA means one thing. To those who see the opportunities in today's economy and markets it means another thing altogether. By way of comparison:
Dangers Opportunities
- V Volatility Vision
- U Uncertainty Understanding
- C Complexity Clarity
- A Ambiguity Agility
How do you see your world?
Enjoy the book!