Professional Development
Drawing up your strategy

Exploring the Difference Between Strategic Thinking and Strategic Planning
This article delves into the distinction between strategic thinking and strategic planning, highlighting the importance of generating insights that lead to an advantage and channeling those insights into actionable plans. Strategic thinking involves the ability to make decisions, trade-offs, and set a clear direction for the organization. In contrast, strategic planning involves creating a roadmap that outlines where the company is, where it aims to be, and how it will reach its goals.
Research indicates that many organizations lack coherent strategic thinking frameworks and processes for developing strategies. Effective strategy development entails regular conversations guided by strategic frameworks, ensuring a holistic and consistent approach to setting strategic direction. By leveraging strategic thinking tools relevant to the business, leaders can avoid overwhelming their teams and focus on essential aspects of strategy development.
The author shares a personal anecdote from a visit to Italy, reflecting on Michelangelo’s unique approach to sculpting. Michelangelo’s belief that the figure was already present in the stone before he sculpted it parallels the idea that a business strategy is embedded in the market, customer, competition, and opportunities. Liberating the strategy requires strategic thinking and skill, akin to the sculptor uncovering the figure from the stone.
Utilizing Business Acumen for Strategic Planning
Strategists and sculptors employ similar techniques in creating their works, with sculptors using modeling or carving methods. The modeling technique aligns with the classical school of strategy development, emphasizing intensive analysis of the industry and competitive landscape. On the other hand, the sculpting technique mirrors the evolutionary school of strategy development, where strategy emerges from the market environment.
The article draws parallels between Michelangelo’s sculpting process and the phases of strategy development, highlighting the importance of discovery, strategic thinking, planning, rollout, and alignment in crafting a robust strategy. Just as a sculptor selects tools and materials, strategy development involves appointing the right team, gathering market insights, and generating new ideas through strategic thinking sessions.
Each phase of the strategy development process is likened to a sculptor shaping a masterpiece, from creating a framework to sculpting the figure and fine-tuning the strategy over time. By aligning strategy with business goals, maintaining regular reviews, and fostering creativity and vision, organizations can create a strategic plan that drives success and growth.
For those interested in delving deeper into strategic thinking and planning, the author’s book STRATEGIC: The ability to provide direction, create advantage and achieve excellent managers offers valuable insights and guidance. Readers can learn more and order their copy at www.Strategic-Book.com.
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