Embracing a Culture of Strategy

To truly cultivate a culture of strategy, we must move beyond treating strategic plans as checkboxes on a to-do list. A culture of strategy thrives when every member of the organization understands their vital role in the process and how their contributions drive strategic goals forward.

Here are four key ways to foster a culture of strategy:

1. Engage All Levels of the Organization: The idea of involving everyone may feel a bit daunting at first, but it doesn't mean soliciting input from every single person all at once. Instead, empower each individual to understand their unique way to contribute. This can take various forms. Team leaders can discuss the strategic plan during meetings, inviting valuable insights, or leadership can utilize surveys and focus groups to gather meaningful feedback. No matter the approach, make sure everyone knows how and when they can share their voice in this critical dialogue.

2. Communicate the Finalized Strategic Plan: Some leaders might think that their team members are too immersed in their daily tasks to worry about the strategic plan, or that strategy discussions feel distant to their immediate concerns. However, strategy is the heartbeat of the organization, connecting efforts across the board. By clearly communicating how the strategic plan aligns with and addresses their concerns, leaders help their teams feel heard and appreciated. Ensure the strategic plan is seen as an essential tool that unites all, not just a document for leadership.

3. Celebrate Progress and Milestones: Keeping everyone updated on progress regarding the strategic plan is crucial. Team members need to witness how their hard work contributes to the collective success. Leaders need to highlight overall improvement, and it is equally essential to recognize specific milestones that signify achievements. By celebrating these victories together, leaders cultivate a sense of accomplishment and motivation within the organization.

4. Create a Year-Round Feedback Loop: Establishing a continuous feedback loop, whether through supervisors or more structured channels, provides opportunities for individuals to engage with the strategic plan outside of formal planning sessions. This ongoing conversation keeps the strategy fresh and relevant. It is also a method for collecting valuable information for the next strategic plan.

In essence, a strategic plan should be a document with folded corners, notes in the margin, and wrinkled pages. It should continuously align the organization throughout the year and link daily tasks to the overarching goals. By nurturing a culture of strategy, leadership invites contributions and ideas from every corner, ensuring that everyone feels valued and integral to the mission. 

Embrace the journey together to establish and maintain the organization’s culture of strategy.