This month's selection of strategy articles covers a wide array of subjects. From creative strategic planning facilitation, to sustainable fashion, to approaching the strategy process, to the benefits of offsite strategy sessions, there is something here for organizations of any size and in any sector.
I chose these articles as I believe they offer great value and insight into the current world of strategic planning. Keeping up with your strategy is important to keep your competitive edge, help you align your team with your goals, and to either grow or remain sustainable.
This article discusses a strategic model for sustainable “fast fashion”. Currently, with the rate of new designs and the disposable mentality of low cost clothing from chain stores, there are many negative social and environmental impacts that occur as a result. With the demand for these types of clothing options continuing world wide, a global strategy and standard will be an important step to making these apparel options safe (in regards to working conditions and chemicals used) and sustainable in addition to being affordable.
Many organizations simply put together a strategic plan and expect it to flow smoothly, without committing at least a day or two to work together with their team to make sure everyone is on board and supporting the organization’s vision, mission, and goals. There are important steps to creating a fluid strategy that will have organization wide buy-in and follow through. The first step not necessarily being the plan itself, but rather setting a clear direction for the organization and setting aside a day or two to begin creating the strategic plan as a team.
When entering into their strategic planning session, each person in the group was given the same six pieces of lego from their facilitator and asked to build specific structures with it. A silly game with a children’s toy turned out to be a valuable start to their strategic planning session.
To stay focused and moving forward with their strategic plan, Zoup!, a national soup and sandwich company hired an outside organization to assist with their strategy. Benefits for them include the “clarity and unbiased views of an outside and experienced third party” said the company’s CEO. Each quarter, Zoup! holds a two day offsite strategic planning meeting with an outside facilitator to make sure the leadership team is all onboard and moving towards the same goals.
Check out strategic planning facilitation options for your next on or offsite strategy session.