the journey of strategy
TRANSCRIPT
Arturo J. Bencosme, [email protected]
The Quest: From Crafting & Implementing Strategies …
… to Learning Collectively from those Experiences
Crafting Strategy: being in a state of being that is future focused that includes
- visualizing and imagining- and simultaneously realistic and cautious - planning, plus advancing readiness to change course under alternate scenarios.
Implementing Strategy: a people oriented endeavor that focuses on guiding the organizational transformation process required including culture change. Organizational Learning: a process that reaches progressively deeper levels of enquiry going from 1st loop learning –enhancing effectiveness & efficiency-, to 2nd loop –vetting the validity of theories & assumptions-, and on to higher levels of enquiry –scrutinizing paradigms, values & purpose.
“Strategy” Comes from an Ancient LineageThe term “strategy” derives from the Greek language: στρατηγία (strategia):
The logic that a high ranking officer such as a general has thought of to organize and align the resources in directing them to victory.
Modern management and leadership literature underscores the role of intuition in addition to, and sometimes even more important than pure logical reasoning in crafting creative, innovative and successful strategies.
Crafting Strategy
Strategy is a Major Component in an Organization’s Sense of DirectionA sense of direction includes: what the organization offers (products & services), why that is beneficial to society -purpose, the expected results that are being strived for –objectives and vision, and how to strive for them facing challenges such as competition –strategy.Strategy is thus the logic, assumptions and intuitive
perceptionunderlying the medium and long term plans of action designed to attain the organization’s visionary goals:
Strategy is a key component in instilling a sense of direction into the culture of the organization.
Crafting Strategy
Beyond Sense of Direction: A Sense of JourneyWhile instilling a clear and strong sense of direction is important, an understanding of the organization’s past trajectory, what lies ahead,and the collective behavior that is required for constructing a successful future is also important --- a sense of journey.
Crafting Strategy
Individually… Together… Everyone!A profound sense of journey will nurture the organizational culture as it cultivates a fellowship of travelers among the members of the organization: A collective awareness of travelling on a shared journey, partaking in a collaborative of purposeful effort which deepens the meaning of strategy.
Crafting Strategy
DEPARTURE / PREPARATION
INITIATION / PASSAGE
/ TRANSFORMATION
RETURN / CELEBRATION
The Hero’s Journey is a cycle of Change that comprises three stages: Departure / Preparation, Initiation / Passage / Transformation, & Return / Celebration.
Joseph Campbell’s Monomyth “The Hero's Journey” Offers a Useful Frame for Building a Sense of Journey in an Organization
Crafting Strategy
• Clarifying the governing ideas: values, mission, purpose, major objectives and vision.
• Describing current reality, performing a SWOT analysis relative to attaining the vision, and the challenges involved under several scenarios about the future.
• Crafting a strategy and the corresponding initiatives to overcome the challenges.
• Developing a measurement system for feedback and learning.• Aligning the organization (the meeting of the minds and the hearts)
for implementing the strategy.
While Strategic Planning Typically Comprises Well Known Steps…
Crafting Strategy
The organization’s WHY -sense of purpose- plays a top role.
The vision becomes a future-focused story that stewards a organization-wide fellowship of travelersS.W.O.T. & challenge
analyses are placed in the context of the journey ahead. Scenarios refer to possible future paths.
Strategy crafting aims at overcoming challenges along the journey. Its implementation calls on everyone to undertake the changes required.
Organizational alignment builds on individual & collective transformations and on the awareness that all are heroes.
Seeing the strategy process through the Hero’s Journey spurs a sense of epicness in it,Setting the foundation for a legend about the of the organization that allows handling everything within an awareness of progressing along a shared path toward greatness.
…A Consciousness of Advancing on a Journey toward Greatness Exhorts Reframing Strategy
Crafting Strategy
Positive, appropriate emotional energies can be supportive to the organization’s success including performing a worthwhile strategic planning process. Negative emotional energies can hamper everything, especially changes required.Just as transcending visions emerge from motivated, creative individuals, crafting & implementing robust strategies demand positively charged passionate people.
The Emotional Energy Side to Strategy
Crafting Strategy
Successful crafting and implementation of strategy demands the right organizational energy. Creating collectively a future focused story of the organization that instills positive attitudes toward the organization’s evolution along its path facilitates summoning that energy. The goal here is to grow a culture attuned to the organization’s epic journey ahead.
Storytelling Energizes Strategy Implementation
Implementing Strategy
The setting for the script includes strategic thinking insights.
The organization’s purpose and visionary objectives translate into a “Call to Adventure”.
S.W.O.T. and challenge analysis describe details for the script.
Scenarios lay uncertainty and possible futures for the story.
The Preparation / Departure part of the journey includes engaging helpers, noticing opponents,and fostering readiness.
Overcoming challenges, attaining goals and embodying the success take place during the Initiation / Passage / Transformation part.
The Return / Celebration part highlights the fulfillment of the organization’s purpose through an inspiring description of the “Expanded World as Usual”: Living the organization’s legend.
Future Focused Epic Organizational Storytelling
Leverages Strategy Implementation
Strategic thinking & decision making enliven the story plot to overcome challenges.
Implementing Strategy
MENTORSImpel learning and commitment to purpose and values.
WIZARDSSources of organizational transformative power.
THRESHOLD GUARDIANS Insurers of readiness to move forward on the journey.
SHAPE SHIFTERS Sources of confusion and mistakes. Can be used to craft a continuous change strategy.
HERALDS Organization intelligence, sources of information & feedback.
SHADOWThe organization’s dark, repressed side, including weaknesses & limitations.
ALLIES & VILLAINS Helpers & Opponents;Supporters & Detractors.
HEROMain Protagonist – the organization itself.
The Story Becomes Alive Through a Cast of Archetypical Characters Often found often in myths,
legends, epic films and literary works.
Implementing Strategy
What is the treasure after which the organization is going?Who will perform as aides, and who as opponents? What are the challenges ahead, and how can the organization prepare for transforming obstacles into possibilities and making the most of its advantages? Which ordeal(s) among those challenges could kill the organization? What betterment for society and the ecology would the organization fulfill? • • •
Of Great Value for Organizational Learning : Epic Story Construction Surfaces Critical Questions about Strategy & Its Implementation
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Implementing Strategy
Similarly to individuals , organizations can deepen collectively their sense of meaning embedded in their culture by seeing themselves through the Hero’s Journey lens.Joseph Campbell suggested that the Hero’s Journey pattern might comprise 19 stages. An 8 stage version is adopted here underscoring the transformational aspects.
The Organization’s Strategy Journey Story is One of Transformation
Implementing Strategy
It encompasses objective elements –i.e., re-engineered workflows, new products or services- and subjective experiences and cultural shifts – i.e., overcoming fears and concerns, trusting alliances, deepening the organization’s purpose.
~ The Emotional Energy in the Story Boosts Engagement throughout the Organization ~
A Hero’s Journey-Based Story Script Is Comprehensive
TrustSerenity
Gratitude
Joy
ResolveCompassion
Enthusiasm
Celebration
Appreciation Awe Surprise Passion
Implementing Strategy
“Business as usual” is a result of all past events. At present, there might be inefficiencies, discontent, complacency, stagnant market presence, and so on…
The Story Starts at the “World as Usual”
It could also be that the organization is just meddling through, sleeping in its laurels or even in a surviving mode.
Implementing Strategy
THE WORLD
AS USUAL
THE WORLD
AS USUAL
CALL TO ADVENTURE - Dwelling into the WHY: The call might come from outside the organization: competition, natural events, social disruptions…
Implementing Strategy
…Tending to the call involves committing to a shared epic intent: To go on a transformational strategy journey leaving behind the “World as Usual”.
THE WORLD
AS USUAL
DEPARTURE: Expanding the awareness
about aides & opponents is done through SWOT
analysis. Crafting strategy to
overcome challenges under key scenarios and
developing a plan will set the course for the journey.
CALL TO ADVENTURE
Implementing Strategy
THE WORLD
AS USUAL
DEPARTURE
CALL TO ADVENTURE
THE GATE KEEPER: It is necessary to deal with fears & concerns about the
uncertain future. The organization proceeds to build
readiness for implementing strategy, strengthening its
culture and re-committing to the
journey.
Implementing Strategy
THE GATE KEEPER
THE WORLD
AS USUAL
DEPARTURE
CALL TO ADVENTURE
1st THRESHOLDEntering the extraordinary
world of organizational
transformation.
A decision is made to move forward with strategy
implementation, and substantial enrolment
of the organization is present.
Implementing Strategy
THE GATE KEEPER
THE WORLD
AS USUAL
DEPARTURE
CALL TO ADVENTURE
1st THRESHOLD.
ENDURANCE TRIALS:
Implementing strategy is about guiding organizational change utilizing
everything to learn and advance amidst adversity. Alignment is enhanced through transformative dialogue.
Implementing Strategy
THE GATE KEEPER
THE WORLD
AS USUAL
DEPARTURE
CALL TO ADVENTURE
1st THRESHOLD.
ENDURANCE TRIALS
ABYSS –SUPREME CHALLENGEThis is that which could kill
the strategy implementation process. It is also about transcending:
trusting that being loyal to the organization’s purpose
will lead to synchronicity to fulfill it.
Implementing Strategy
THE GATE KEEPER
THE WORLD
AS USUAL
DEPARTURE
CALL TO ADVENTURE
1st THRESHOLD.
ENDURANCE TRIALS
ABYSS –SUPREME CHALLENGECLAIMING THE TREASUREAttaining the visionary objectives translates into thriving in discovery & fulfillment that come with the realization that a worthwhile vision has been materialized.
Implementing Strategy
THE GATE KEEPER
THE WORLD
AS USUAL
DEPARTURE
CALL TO ADVENTURE
1st THRESHOLD.
ENDURANCE TRIALS
ABYSS –SUPREME CHALLENGECLAIMING THE TREASURE
CONVERGENCE WITH THE TRUE SELF Now is propitious to reinforce the culture: strengthening a shared consciousness of alignment around the organization’s core ideology and reaffirming the organization’s sense of purpose.
THE GATE KEEPER
THE WORLD
AS USUAL
DEPARTURE
CALL TO ADVENTURE
1st THRESHOLD.
ENDURANCE TRIALS
ABYSS –SUPREME CHALLENGECLAIMING THE TREASURE
CONVERGENCE WITH THE TRUE SELF
2nd THRESHOLDLeaving the extraordinary
world of organizational
transformation: Tempering the connection
to Society.
Implementing Strategy
THE GATE KEEPER
THE WORLD
AS USUAL
DEPARTURE
CALL TO ADVENTURE
1st THRESHOLD.
ENDURANCE TRIALS
ABYSS –SUPREME CHALLENGECLAIMING THE TREASURE
CONVERGENCE WITH THE TRUE SELF
2nd THRESHOLD
PREPARING TO RETURN It is time to own the journey, being grateful for the success and letting abundance drive sharing it with society: ~ We did it – This is who we are!
Implementing Strategy
THE GATE KEEPER
THE WORLD
AS USUAL
DEPARTURE
CALL TO ADVENTURE
1st THRESHOLD.
ENDURANCE TRIALS
ABYSS –SUPREME CHALLENGECLAIMING THE TREASURE
CONVERGENCE WITH THE TRUE SELF
2nd THRESHOLD
PREPARING TO RETURN
Implementing Strategy
ARRIVAL & CELEBRATION Letting the passion for contributing to building a better world drive the organization’s future efforts.Celebration brings the journey to an end and signalsto move toward new journeys.
ARRIVAL & CELEBRATION
THE GATE KEEPER
DEPARTURE
CALL TO ADVENTURE
1st THRESHOLD.
ENDURANCE TRIALS
ABYSS –SUPREME CHALLENGECLAIMING THE TREASURE
CONVERGENCE WITH THE TRUE SELF
2nd THRESHOLD
PREPARING TO RETURN
THE EXPANDED WORLD AS
USUAL
Implementing strategy successfully leads to a new, expanded “Business as usual”. What have we learned? What is next?
The Story Epilogue is the “The Expanded World as Usual”Implementing Strategy
THE EXPANDED WORLD AS
USUAL
CALL TO ADVENTURECommitment to a shared epic intent.
DEPARTURE: SWOT, challenges, strategy crafting &
plan ellaboration.
THE GATE KEEPER: Building readiness.
Re-committing to a shared epic intent
ENDURANCE TRIALS: Steadfastness & dialogue.Full strategy deployment
ABYSS –SUPREME CHALLENGE:Trusting the purpose and the vision
and synchronicity
CLAIMING THE TREASUREDiscovery & fulfillment
from materializing the Vision
CONVERGENCE WITH THE TRUE SELF: Deepening alignment around the
organization’s core ideology.
PREPARING TO RETURN: Owning the journey.
Gratefulness & abundance.
ARRIVAL & CELEBRATION: Re-inforcing the will to contributea better world.
Becoming ready for next journeys
1st THRESHOLDEntering the extraordinary world of organizational transformation.
2nd THRESHOLDLeaving the extraordinary world
of organizational transformation -
Reconnecting to Society
TrustSerenity
ResolveCompassion
GratitudeJoy
EnthusiasmCelebration
~ A Summary of the Story ~
Appreciation Awe Surprise Passion
Implementing Strategy
Organizational Learning Takes Place along the Whole Journey of Strategy
Multiple layers occur along the journey of strategy – they set the context for learning: Values are manifestations of the true selves of the organization’s members:
Statements about what are morally appropriate courses of action and outcomes.
Values also determine the worldview held by the persons in the organization which in turn lead to configuring a sense of purpose.
Purpose provides a backdrop for the assumptions in paradigms which frame the decisions that are input to strategy selection.
Strategy implementation affects current reality through the results it produces.
Decisions & StrategyValues
Purpose& Meaning
Worldview
Assumptions & Paradigms
Results
Organizational Learning
Multiple Loop Learning in Strategy
Learning Order
Link in the Strategic Learning Continuum
Single Loop - Assessing the quality of the decisions made in terms of the ensuing results.
Double Loop - Enquiring about the theories, paradigms and assumptions guiding behavior and providing an immediate backdrop for the decisions.
Triple Loop - Pondering the world view and the sense of purpose that underlie assumptions and paradigms.
Quadruple Loop
- Surfacing / Deepening the organization’s values: they stem from personal values and drive world views and sense of purpose.
Quintuple Loop
- Contemplating values as manifestations of the true self of each organization’s member.
Learning Along the Strategy Journey Needs to Examine Each Layer
TRUE SELF MANIFESTATION:
VALUES
WORLDVIEW & SENSE OF
PURPOSE
PARADIGMS / ASSUMPTIONS DECISIONS RESULTS
Organizational Learning
Examining each layer provides information useful to expand knowledge and act accordingly in the collective learning within the organization
SINGLE LOOP LEARNING: DECISIONS
TO ADAPT & IMPROVEOUTCOMES
DOUBLE LOOP LEARNING:SURFACE & TEST THEORIES
TO IMPROVE DECISIONS
TRIPLE LOOP LEARNING:SHIFT PARADIGMS TO IMPROVE
THE UNDERSTANDING OF REALITY
QUADRUPLE LOOP LEARNING:DEEPEN EMBODYMENT OF VALUES
TO STRENGTHEN INTENTAND CLARIFY PERSPECTIVE
ON THE WORLD
Learning along the Journey of Strategy Is a Multiple Feedback Loop Process
TRUE SELF MANIFESTATION:
VALUES
WORLDVIEW & SENSE OF
PURPOSE
PARADIGMS / ASSUMPTIONS DECISIONS RESULTS
Organizational Learning
Learning from Crafting and Implementing Strategy Strengthens the Organization and Builds Readiness
for the Future
Organizational Learning
When values & purpose are embraced and expressed in decisions and results,and there is an authentic ownership of the overall experience,
self-appropriation takes place: the journey is now a part of the organization’s True Self.
Attaining the visionary objectives is not really the end…Going through the transformations and learning that made that possible and using such achievements to contribute for the betterment of society
is the real destination
The End
Arturo J. Bencosme, [email protected]