Thought Leadership’s Post

Imagine a world where everyone understood the nuances of your profession. Isn't that a bit too utopian? Well, not necessarily. As a Solutions Architect, my job revolves around bridging gaps - between people, technologies, and business objectives. It's like being both an interpreter and a map-maker! It starts with Business Knowledge. Understanding the bigger picture is critical to building strategies that work. Then comes Leadership Courage. It takes a lot of bravery to tread uncharted waters. The People-First Mindset is key too. After all, we're designing solutions for people, right? And don't forget the Strategic Mindset - planning ahead is always beneficial. Accountability and Organizational Savvy come hand in hand - navigating organizational dynamics responsibly is essential. Finally, Transparency ensures everyone involved understands where they're going. So yes, maybe it's utopian to expect everyone to get the nuances of our professions fully. But isn't that what we strive for? To make complex things understandable? Join me on this journey as we continue to bridge gaps and foster understanding in our professional worlds!

Sharing a Friday thinking! Have a great weekend everyone! What do you believe makes a good strategist? I recently came across an ad on Insta:   “Here are 3 signs you might be a strategist: You love exploring humanity; You love to make sense of the world; You love solving problems.” Now, whether the content they were selling is good or not is another discussion, but in a sea of (rather) questionable sponsored content, this made sense to me, and here’s why: 1. Exploring humanity means having a basic understanding of diverse sciences such as biology, history, sociology, psychology, and others. There's no way one can be a strategist without broadening their comprehension of the multiple systems involved in decision-making. A strategist must be able to see the bigger picture, understand the nuances of human behavior, and recognize the interconnectedness of various systems that influence outcomes. 2. Making sense of the world involves asking the right questions and digging deep to ensure that our strategies are well-founded. If we don’t ask the right questions, our strategies will be flawed, overlooking crucial elements. A great strategist challenges assumptions, seeks diverse perspectives, and constantly refines their understanding of the factors at play. 3. Problems in organizations often arise from issues within people or process systems. A good strategist recognizes that without a broader understanding of people, the organization, and all the internal and external symbiotic relationships, solutions will be superficial at best. Here’s the dilemma: Business Administration professionals are trained to think strategically, learning methods, scenarios, and systems theories that shape their decision-making. On the other hand, they may lack the industry or technical expertise to identify issues within technical systems. Conversely, technical professionals, often promoted to leadership for their expertise, excel at solving technical challenges but may not have the broader perspective required for effective strategic decision-making, an imbalance that can lead to systemic malfunctions, making the organization less responsive and effective in the long term. It can also contribute to cultures that perpetuate talent loss due to poor people strategies and ineffective leadership. In today's complex business environment, technical expertise alone isn’t enough. A true strategist must be a lifelong learner, navigating in and out of technical matters to stay current while also broadening their understanding of other fields that contribute to effective leadership. How to balance strategic thinking with technical expertise is a critical discussion. Organizations should strive to develop strategists who can bridge both worlds AND (rather than OR) rely on cross-functional teams where technical and strategic minds collaborate closely. This is the kind of redundancy that will drive organizations forward, creating cultures of innovation, resilience, and growth.

"Conquer competing priorities: Where focus goes, energy flows" We often find ourselves caught in a whirlwind of "urgent" tasks, each clamoring for immediate attention. I just wrote about effective strategies for navigating competing priorities https://lnkd.in/gjcE4SRN and have a deeper-dive for teams and leaders in my newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gU6Y9YRD. Justin Wright also has a fantastic cheat sheet on this topic! Unearthing the Drivers of Priorities The first step in effective priority management is understanding the underlying drivers, which include: - Business Objectives: Aligning new initiatives with maintaining existing systems. - Customer and User Needs: Balancing diverse feature requests against company goals. - Team Dynamics: Acknowledging different departmental processes and rhythms. - Individual Stakeholders: Considering the varied incentives and KPIs driving requests. Recognizing these forces helps in making informed decisions and balancing business needs with available capacity. Strategic Trade-offs: The Balancing Act Since addressing all priorities at once is impossible, here’s how you can make strategic trade-offs: - Impact: Focus on tasks with the greatest effect on customer experience and business objectives. - Urgency vs. Long-Term Goals: Balance immediate needs against long-term objectives. - ROI: Evaluate the return on time invested. - Risk Assessment: Consider the implications of deprioritizing tasks. - Dependencies: Prioritize based on task interdependencies. Collaboration is Key For software engineers and other professionals, collaboration with stakeholders – such as product managers, engineering managers, and tech leads – is crucial. This involves: - Overcommunicating on prioritization and timeline changes. - Regular check-ins and status updates. - Transparent dialogue about capacity constraints and workload management. - Prioritizing Ruthlessly: The Vital Few Identify the “vital few” tasks that matter the most. Frameworks for Prioritization Various prioritization frameworks can aid in managing tasks effectively. Some notable ones include the Eisenhower Matrix, Ivy Lee Method, ABCDE Method, MoSCoW Method, RICE Method, and Warren Buffett’s 5/25 Method. Each offers unique perspectives and strategies suited for different roles. Conclusion: Charting the Right Course Competing priorities are a common challenge. The path to effective priority management lies in understanding the why, making strategic choices, and maintaining a focus on what truly matters. #motivation #productivity #leadership If you found this helpful, consider a like or repost. Also consider following Justin Wright whose insights I often find valuable.

As a turnaround strategist who has been helping businesses for close to a decade, leverage growth, increase capacity and sustainability, I come across numerous challenges faced by my clients, that I believe many business owners often face as well. With that being said here are 3 key considerations to elevate your next internal strategic session. 1️⃣ Inclusive Collaboration: Foster an environment where diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but actively sought after. Research shows that inclusive teams make better decisions, leading to more innovative strategies and improved performance. 2️⃣ Clear Objectives and Metrics: Define clear objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of your strategic plan. Without clear goals, teams may struggle to stay focused and aligned. A reliable source to reference is the Harvard Business Review article "The Four Keys to Successful Strategic Planning" by Graham Kenny. 3️⃣ Continuous Feedback Loop: Establish a feedback loop to gather insights and adjust strategies as needed. Encourage open communication and regular check-ins to monitor progress and address any challenges that arise. By prioritizing inclusive collaboration, setting clear objectives and metrics, and fostering a continuous feedback loop, you can ensure your strategic planning sessions are not only productive but also drive meaningful results for your organization. What other key points would you add?

𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙮 - 𝙀𝙭𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙂𝙖𝙥... "𝙄𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙨𝙣'𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙛𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨—𝙞𝙩'𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙭𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣." Your strategy is a masterpiece, but is it hanging in the wrong gallery? We've all been there - sitting in a room, crafting an ambitious strategy that promises to revolutionize our business. Fast forward a few months, and it feels like we're still stuck in the same old routines. What gives? The 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆-𝗲𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗴𝗮𝗽 is the silent killer of great ideas. It's the space where visionary plans meet the messy reality of day-to-day operations. But here's the thing: this gap isn't just a nuisance - it's costing businesses real money and missed opportunities. Recent studies show that companies that effectively bridge this gap outperform their peers by up to 30%. So, how do we close it? 1. Translate #strategy into actionable #goals. 2. Align #incentives with strategic objectives. 3. Foster a culture of accountability Embrace #agilemethodologies for quick pivots. 4. Invest in continuous communication and #feedback loops. Remember, strategy without execution is just a daydream, and execution without strategy is chaos. What's your experience? Have you successfully bridged this gap in your organization? Share your wins (or lessons learned) below! Document Credit: Harvard Business Review #Management #Technology #construction #engineering #projectmanagement #strategyplanning

As professionals, we're constantly seeking ways to drive growth, innovation, and positive change in our organizations and communities. In my recent project, one framework that has resonated with me is 𝐍𝐎𝐈𝐒𝐄 - Needs, Opportunities, Improvements, Strengths, and Exceptions. Let's take a closer look at each component: 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 (𝐍) What are the essential elements required to achieve our strategic objectives?  By understanding our needs, we can focus on the most critical areas that will drive the greatest impact. 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 (𝐎) What external factors can we leverage to fuel growth and innovation?  By observing best practices and exploring new approaches, we can uncover opportunities that might have gone unnoticed. 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 (𝐈) How can we adapt and evolve to capitalize on these opportunities?  By thoughtfully challenging our assumptions and embracing new ideas, we can create a culture of continuous improvement. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐬 (𝐒) What are we doing well, and how can we build on those strengths?  Recognizing and celebrating our successes gives us the confidence and momentum to keep pushing forward. 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 (𝐄) What obstacles and challenges do we need to address?  By confronting them directly, we can develop creative solutions that overcome these hurdles. The 𝐍𝐎𝐈𝐒𝐄 framework offers a structured approach to strategic planning, helping us identify areas for growth, innovation, and improvement. By applying this framework, we can cultivate a culture of collaboration, creativity, and continuous learning. I'd love to hear from you - how do you approach strategic planning and growth in your organization? What frameworks or tools have you found most effective? #management #innovation #buildingsolutions #solvingproblems #growth #continuouslearning #strategicplanning

Whether you're working with a startup facing rapid growth or an established company navigating market shifts, the ability to pivot and realign strategies is key to driving sustained success. Over the years, I've found that the most successful consulting engagements are those where flexibility and foresight come together. It's not just about having a plan, but about knowing when to adjust that plan based on new information or unforeseen challenges. One approach that has consistently worked for my clients is implementing an iterative process. By regularly reviewing progress and remaining open to course corrections, we not only achieve the desired outcomes but often uncover new opportunities along the way. If you're a consultant or business leader, remember that the willingness to adapt isn't a sign of weakness—it's a strength. How do you ensure flexibility in your strategies? Let's discuss the importance of staying agile in today's fast-paced business environment.

For leaders looking to implement change (and yes I know, that’s all of you!), you might find this article useful.

My first thought is that we need to understand the environment better and also identify what is causing the lack of progress that we need. Sometimes its people, skills and sometimes its just the way we work, therefore focused change management might be key in that regard to address the issues. Second, it may be caused by a lack of buy in to a new way of work, this could be a major blocker to your strategy's success. I would identify the reasons for why we are failing in our pursuit and ensure that you create a safe space for collaboration and openness, create a safe space for people to tell their stories and experience of your way of work. Then be clear about what the end goal is, often when you provide clarity on what the objective aims to achieve, with clearly defined metrics, it's easier for people to associate with that, but keep people involved even in defining what and why so that they may have skin in the game. Shared platforms are important to have in place, that way your work is in a single location and can be reviewed at an instant without the need for people to put together powerpoint presentations. Engage your stakeholders, get them to understand and be comfortable to sell the vision, this way you get their total buy in. Above all, once you have decided that this is the path you wish to follow, you must be patient and persistent in your pursuit. You'll fail, but see failure as lessons and a reason to knuckle down and push even further. These are my thoughts and I hope that at least a bit of it may be useful to you.

𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗼 "𝗯𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰"?  It's a vague but crucial piece of advice. Strategic thinking, unlike strategic planning, can occur at any time and at any level of the organization. At its core, strategic thinking shapes how you approach decisions, especially resource allocation. It's about making choices that position you to cater to future customer needs and outperform competitors. While there are many frameworks, there’s no single formula for strategic thinking. Generating insights is a creative process, and you’ll need to accept the unsettling feelings associated with not being able to control when these insights emerge. And if that’s not enough, these insights come with risk – you're either a genius or a fool!   The next time you need to think “more strategically,” try these 7 key activities: 1. Observe market trends, industry dynamics, and potential disruptions. What's happening in your external and internal landscape? Identify shifts for a broader perspective.   2. Amidst data overload, identify priority threats and opportunities. What requires a strategic response? Reflection over time will unveil what truly matters.   3. Make connections in data, see patterns, and interpret information differently than competitors. This creative yet unpredictable process involves considering multiple perspectives.   4. Reevaluate assumptions and beliefs from a fresh perspective. Plan sessions with your team to challenge ingrained beliefs. What if the seemingly impossible became possible?   5. Project yourself into the future. How will your industry evolve?Anticipate changes in customer behavior, market dynamics, and possibilities.    6. Devote time to creating new possibilities that align with your envisioned future. This includes brainstorming ways to create value, gain a competitive edge, or improve operational processes.   7. Consider different options, weigh gains and losses, and identify driving beliefs behind your strategic decisions and trade-offs.   Mastery of strategic thinking comes with practice. Expect discomfort – the deeper the insight, the higher the impact and risk.   In game-changing strategic leadership, risk is inherent but worthwhile. Embrace discomfort and challenge conventional wisdom. The most impactful strategies arise from unique insights, not just from visible data trends.   What would you add to enhance strategic thinking skills? https://lnkd.in/gmqwAQxS #StrategicThinking