The adapt way
Strategy
'If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail' - Benjamin Franklin
What is strategy?
A simple definition is:
A plan of action designed to achieve a long-term goal or vision.
There is good strategy and there is bad strategy. Good strategy requires discipline and rigour. It is not a one-time event and it’s not easy.
Crafting a clear, robust, and implementable strategy is essential for driving sustainable growth. Strategy is a core module at adapt, where you will design your foundation, build and then implement your strategy for success.
Our strategy framework
The image to the right is a pictorial representation of the strategy work we do at adapt.
The elements on top (actions -> vision) represent things that your organisation works on, from left to right with an increasingly larger time scale - from actions that require immediate attention to your 10-year vision.
The foundational elements (purpose, values, bullseye, strategic anchors) are shown along the bottom, which provide a set of guardrails when you start to build your strategy.
As you work with your coach or through the pathways, you will address each of these.
How the adapt way helps you build a great strategy
It's not quite a linear process, but these are the basic steps:
Setting the foundations: We will answer these questions:
- Where are you going? (Vision)
- Why do you exist? (Purpose)
- How do you behave? (Values)
Building the strategy: This requires a deep understanding of what makes your business stand out, by getting clear on:
- What you do, and what you don't do (Bullseye)
- Your strengths & weaknesses
- How your competitors win & lose against you.
- Understanding where you are unique (Strategic anchors)
- Setting some medium-term goals (Strategic goals)
Establishing a business cadence: Here we will build the discipline and structure for you to focus on the work of building and implementing your strategy. This focused time is crucial for long-term success.
Setting objectives: We use the OKR (Objective & Key Results) framework to set achievable and measurable goals for the short term. Objectives are reviewed on a quarterly and annual basis.
Implement the strategy: Now you've built your strategy, and have clear objectives for the year ahead, it's time to roll up your sleeves and do the work of achieving your strategy for success.
Review & reset: After each period (quarterly or annually) it's time to evaluate your progress, celebrate the wins and review the learnings along the way.
Your strategy is alive, it's not a set and forget exercise. It's important to take the time to review things, update accordingly and ensure you are working towards achieving your vision.