Strategy: Failing to plan is planning to fail
Thursday, January 1 2004
In the following article author Philip Atkinson suggests that too many organisations have failed to create a strong business strategy to outwit their competitors, dominate market intelligence, retain existing customers and market share while at the same time attracting the loyalty of new customers.
Philip highlights the importance of rediscovering the strategic review and developing it into a tangible business plan.
IMAGE PHOTOGRAPH 1I was asked at a recent workshop to explain as simply as possible the key issues that organisations have failed to address. Three factors are important, 'Focus', 'Energy' and 'Alignment'. I'll deal with each in turn.
Focus is critical because it indicates direction and progress. Without an objective, a 'raison d'etre' an organisation will be in chaos - people will be confused over which direction to follow. Clarity of thought has to be articulated and shared to focus the thoughts and motivations of all in the business. This is an important issue for all businesses. Yet so often we have witnessed average large scale businesses having failed to address their directional focus and commercial priorities.