Now? Near? Far?

Strategy?

Think NOW,

NEAR,

FAR


View Points
If you want to build a ship, then don't drum up men to gather wood, give orders, and divide the work. Rather, teach them to yearn for the far and endless sea.” - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Your point of view determines how you will move toward your plan of action. Easy, you say?

When I’m in the role of “traffic cop” during intense and sometimes heated discussions in a strategy session, I hear comments such as, “you just don’t understand what it’s like to be on the front lines”. Leaders become frustrated when the staff does not understand the balancing act of bigger picture decisions, such as the financial implications of expansion. The disconnect, if it stays “off the table”, can create long term problems in relationships. And relationships, as we all know, are the center of any organization.

One way to address the varying points of view in the situation, is to think about the outcomes from a time continuum.

“NOW” is the present and a few weeks ahead. What needs to happen? What should we watch out for?

“NEAR” is a few months into the future. What are the questions that will bring us from right now to the next quarter? Notice, I didn’t ask for answers! Start with the questions – all of the ones that are important from all aspects – and then move to the “right answers”.

“FAR” is the timing for long term strategy. A year or two down the line.

When you think about time as a continuum, the “far” always moves to “near”, and “near” to “now”. What do you see on the horizon?

Work backwards, again with questions. What do you have to start “now” to make sure that “far” is the desired outcome?

My one word of caution?

Simplify! From complexity, comes simplicity. Strategic plans often sit on shelves and collect dust and guilt. The best of strategy comes alive when it’s meaningful to the people who must carry it out today. The timing of “far” will arrive when “now” is a priority. Chunk down the plan. Live it.

NB: When you are stuck, you might need an unbiased facilitator to take you through the beginning of the process.

And remember: this Coach is on call...no strings attached. All you have to do is "ask"!

- Maggie
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PS Read the archives!