Strategy is a very commonly used term, but not many actually use the word in a meaningful way. In simple terms Strategy is a long term action oriented plan to achieve something. For instance, Apple never started as a computer company, what Apple started was to make technology simplified and beautiful along with building an ecosystem. As times progress, there were many products which came along from Apple which fit into building the ecosystem. When Apple started, no one had an iPhone or Apple Watch or AirPods in their product lists. It all started with a Microcomputer. Later as times went by many products came into existence.
So, what was the strategy for Apple Initially? Building computers which are simple to use and beautiful and when people started using them, become part of the ecosystem.
For everything, we can come up with Strategy, but ensure there is a bigger goal.
Another example I can come is my previous employer Cerner. Cerner started as an EMR company and over the period of time, its founder, Neal Patterson wanted to make HealthCare Technology more reliable and robust so that automation can help better patient care. The next 45 years saw Cerner becoming one the worlds largest HeatlhCare ERP company until it got acquired by Oracle.
If you are someone who is very strong on having a good strategy, consider the following principals:
- Just start doing what you want to do, don’t spend a lot of time deliberating what happens next.
- Don’t focus on achieving perfection. It will never happen. Focusing on doing a good job. That’s all.
- There will be times when you have to make tough choices. So, be open to them.
- Build an effectuative mind-set. Let mistakes happen and learn from them.
- If you stuck in a situation, don’t see it as the end, but as a new beginning. Try different things to make things happen.
- When something is not working, move on. Decide when to stop or keep going.
- After you identify a solution, start building and keep correcting.
- The big picture for you or your company might be complex, but that does not mean you cannot start by solving small problems.
- Try adopting Servant Leadership philosophy. This will help bring your teams to buy into your idea.
- A grounded leadership will help you achieve your strategy, so, coach your teams to be practical rather than illusional.