Strategy is a flexible plan that guides us as we seek to create a change. It’s scary and it takes time…
Seth Godin
A gardener plants seeds, but doesn’t expect that they’ll have an orchard or a bushel of crops in an hour or even a week. Planting is simply a step in the unfolding of what is to come later. That’s strategy.
Top 3 Quotes from Godin Interview…
“The success of a strategy is contingent not only on your actions but also on the actions of others…Successful people figure out how to trade their time and their effort for the change they seek to make in the world.”
“…few people know what strategy is! It isn’t a goal. And it isn’t a list of tasks—that’s tactics. Strategy is a flexible plan that guides us as we seek to create a change. It’s scary and it takes time. As a result, we look away and don’t talk about it.”
“If it’s important enough to do the work, it’s important enough to take the time to articulate your strategy and make it better.”
When Building Strategy…
- Focus on long-term growth — Say “no” to distractions and activities that do not contribute to your larger vision.
- Cultivate empathy — create space for open communication and actively seek input from team members, customers, and stakeholders. Model empathy by acknowledging and addressing concerns. Foster a culture where everyone feels heard & valued.
- Map out systems you are working within — (economic systems, organizational hierarchies, technological trends, etc.) Identify where small actions can create outsized results. Rather than change the entire system, influence specific areas that can generate the greatest impact (adjust internal processes, align with external market forces, etc. )
- Identify the most straightforward & effective approach — focus on simplicity. Remove unnecessary complexity that could cloud decision-making. Create a clear roadmap and be disciplined in sticking to it. Regularly revisit and refine your strategy to ensure efficiency & alignment with goals.
- Focus on small, achievable steps — break down large challenges into smaller, manageable tasks, and track incremental progress. Maintain focus on steady wins that contribute to the overall goal and can accumulate into significant change.