A Wren Says

I have been thinking a lot about strategy. As I reconsider how I approach my job, I am digging into what the term really means. I had created a list of goals and indicators thinking that was the right step. And it was a right step, but something was missing.

I needed to know the bigger question behind the goal. I needed the bigger purpose, the throughline as I considered what important actions I needed to take. I had begun to feel like I was focused so much on indicators that I wasn’t actually doing anything to actual achieve them. I had goals, but I hadn’t truly developed a strategy.

Right now, I am still in the throes of research mode, still figuring out what the term really means. It is still a little fuzzy, because it seems that every author and speaker approaches the topic differently. But there are some commonalities that I picked up on.

Strategy is not arbitrary, even if you feel like the strategic plan you came up with was only used to appease your board. it starts with why. It starts with vision. It starts with mission. It starts with a clear understanding of where you are now and where you want to go. Goals are a part of strategy, but there’s more to it than that.

I still have a lot to learn on this topic and even more learning by doing left to do. As I continue down this journey to increase my knowledge on strategy and strategic planning, please share any insight you’ve gained or resources you think could be helpful. I foresee this being part of a larger project for myself and I would appreciate the chance to keep growing in this area.