Many companies wonder: Is it still possible today to develop successful strategies
that stand the test of time? The pace of change is ever-increasing and strategic
decisions have to be made under greater uncertainty and higher complexity than
ever before. Many strategies do not succeed – either because they are never implemented
or because the business environment changes before the strategy can deliver its
full effect. Yes, it is possible. But the traditional approaches to strategy development
fail to cope with the inherent uncertainty in today's business environment. And
because many managers have experienced this themselves, strategies often lack
credibility and buy-in right from the beginning. What is needed is a strategy
development and maintenance process that allows for the necessary flexibility
to react to and – to a certain degree – even anticipate changes in the business
environment, while also providing the organization with the necessary long-term
direction, clear objectives, and alignment.
Kyvia's strategy deveopment process addresses these challenges through four key
elements:
- Focus on the future, you look at the future and its challenges carefully and
independently of your businesses' current situation, allowing your management
team to grasp the inherent uncertainty and to creatively think about the opportunities
it might offer: Years before digital photography became a consumer product, a
renowned player in the photographic industry was able to understand the opportunities
and threats of the digital world, and was enabled to develop a successful strategic
positioning for itself.
- Broad management involvement, Input for the strategy is gathered from several
levels across the organization through a process that works both top-down and
bottom-up. This way, you can better take into account the objectives as seen with
the eyes of the business lines and middle management develops ownership for the
strategy and becomes aligned behind it.
- True strategic thinking, Through scenario development and other exercises, participants
in the strategy development process discover their true personal and organizational
objectives, and manage to let go of inhibitions and preconceptions rooted in the
past. The result is a shared ambition that will energize the process and drive
strategic direction.
- Continuous strategic process, Strategy doesn't stop at the end of a one-time
development effort. A strategic control system constantly monitors strategic progress
as well as scenario conditions. In conjunction with periodic strategy reviews,
this results in additional flexibility and adaptability.
The result of this innovative methodology is a strategy that overcomes the weaknesses
of traditionally developed strategies. It is characterized by a thorough understanding
of future uncertainties and a strategic positioning that takes advantage of them;
through buy-in and behavior that is aligned with the company's strategic objectives;
and through a continuous strategic process that provides the necessary flexibility
to adapt the strategy when necessary, but without losing sight of the overall
strategic objectives.
