The strategy has been crafted with dedication, with plenty of time and money invested in its creation. The result looks impressive – and quite lengthy, too. But what’s its actual point?
In many organizations, “strategy” is a beautiful word that means everything and nothing at the same time. A PowerPoint deck is often stuffed with an vast number of goals, wishes, values, projects, metrics, visions, and slogans. On top of that, it may include detailed sub-plans that are not necessarily aligned with the original idea at all.
When that happens, divisional and departmental leaders easily start steering in their own directions. The result is like cooking a soup where you throw in everything from the fridge “just in case” – ending up with a mixed stew that no one is quite sure how it was supposed to taste.
It may sound like a caricature, but unfortunately, it happens far too often.
The problem is fragmentation:
- Too many ingredients: Trying to fit in every department’s, leader’s, and project’s wishes into the same pot.
- Unclear recipe: No one knows what’s the main course and what’s just garnish.
- Missing chef: The strategy is born in meetings, but no one truly owns its execution.
A strategy should be a clear and concise recipe that everyone understands – and knows how to prepare in their own work. A good strategy tells what matters most, how to get there, and why now. A bad strategy tries to be everything at once – and eventually turns into a lukewarm broth that no one wants to eat.
Next time you look at your organization’s strategy document, ask yourself:
- Is this clear and guiding, or just a mixed stew?
- Does everyone know what the main flavour is?
- Or is it just a pile of random ingredients left on the table?
Strategy is not about fitting everything in. Strategy is about ensuring only the essential makes it into the pot.
Maarika Maury The author is a specialist in simplifying strategy, a coach, writer, and business strategist who has helped hundreds of organizations clarify their direction. She believes a good strategy fits on one page – and that the best flavour comes when the recipe contains only the essential ingredients. +358 50 590 0412 | 📧 maarika@kissconsulting.fi
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