Strategy Made Easy: Lessons from Thanksgiving

Strategy.

Such a buzz word. Its used daily, profusely, and in everything. Its as if you aren’t cool (or at least smart) unless you use the word ‘Strategy’. How often do you hear people say phrases like, “What’s the strategy?”, “We need a new strategy for this,” “We need to be more strategic about this,” or “This is a strategic decision”?

But I’ll state this for the record: most people don't know strategy!

There, I said it! 😲

Simply putting a plan together, like planning a dream vacation to Europe, is not strategy, its… a plan. Thinking ahead and putting together actionable steps, is also not being strategic, it’s…forward thinking. And if all you know is SWOT analysis, than you are NOT strategic.

OK, I’ll get off my strategy podium now. 😝

So what is strategy?

Simply put, it’s a battle plan. And battle plans have these core elements in common:

1. A mission or a goal
2. Identification of an enemy or an opposition
3. A chance that you will not succeed
4. Assessment of the current situation
5. Limitation in resources, money, or assets
6. Multiple approaches to ensure success
7. The overarching approach or plan
8. Specific actions or steps to implementing the plan
9. A timeline
10. Contingency plans

I know, this can feel daunting, and strategy can sometimes present itself as “only reserved for the chosen, intelligent few”.  Even seasoned leaders can trip up, especially by making things more complicated than they need to be.

But I’m here to debunk all that and show you an easy approach to strategy using...Thanksgiving! 🦃

Yep, Thanksgiving!

So buckle up (or unbuckle your pants), gobble up, and enjoy this feast of a blog! Let’s go!

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Grasping the Essentials

Understanding strategy doesn’t have to be rocket science. In reality, it’s more about common sense and a simple framework. At its core, leadership and strategy revolves around people and purpose. A clear and straightforward approach can help you cut through the clutter and concentrate on what really counts.

Think about Thanksgiving for a moment. It’s a perfect example of organized chaos where everything somehow falls into place. Everyone knows their role, communicates their needs, and works together toward a shared goal—a great meal. This is the essence of a good strategy. It’s not about creating a complicated set of plans and sub-plans; it’s about making sure everyone knows the game plan and is on the same page.

A simple approach that I use is APEx: Analyze, Plan, and Execute!

Many people approach strategy wrong. They go off and execute before they they have analyzed or planned for things. And when things start falling apart, they blame it on the inability to execute properly. In fact, in 2016, it was estimated that 67% of well-formulated strategies failed due to poor execution.

But I’m here to say that execution is only a SMALL part of a successful strategic initiative. Analyzing and planning are far more important. And if done properly, execution will be easy. Get the analyze and planning phases wrong, and even your best efforts to execute will be futile! So let’s get to it and start off with the Analyze phase.

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Phase #1: A - Analyze

First things first—before diving into any grand plans, take a moment to evaluate where you currently stand. Imagine gearing up for Thanksgiving dinner; you wouldn't start cooking without first checking what ingredients you already have in your pantry, right? As a leader, you need to assess your current situation.

This Analyze phase is all about understanding the lay of the land. Take stock of your team’s strengths and weaknesses, available resources, and potential roadblocks. Think of it as getting a bird’s-eye view of the entire kitchen before you even start chopping vegetables. Are there untapped skills within your team that could be utilized better? Are there any glaring gaps that need to be addressed? By gathering this crucial data, you’re setting yourself up to make informed, effective decisions.

One way to kickstart this process is to have open conversations with your team members. Get their input and perspectives; you might discover hidden talents or unnoticed issues that could impact your plans. It’s like having a pre-Thanksgiving chat with your family to see who’s bringing what—everyone gets on the same page, and no one shows up with three pumpkin pies and no mashed potatoes.

Don’t shy away from hard numbers, either. Analyze performance metrics, project timelines, and resource allocations. Just as you wouldn’t wing it with cooking times and temperatures, you shouldn’t guess when it comes to strategic planning. Use concrete data to guide your next steps.

Lastly, remember to factor in external conditions that might affect your strategy. Just like you’d check the weather before planning an outdoor Thanksgiving picnic, be aware of industry trends, market conditions, or any other external factors that could impact your goals.

In this evaluation phase, think of yourself as a detective piecing together clues. The better your initial assessment, the smoother the rest of your strategy journey will be. So take your time, dig deep, and gather all the information you need to set the stage for success.

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Phase #2: P - Plan

Now that you've got a clear understanding of your current situation, it's time to chart your course. The Planning phase is all about creating a roadmap that guides you from point A to point B. Think of it as planning a Thanksgiving feast—you wouldn't cook all the dishes at once. You'd have a plan, maybe even a timeline, to ensure everything comes together smoothly.

Start by outlining your main goals. What do you want to achieve? Be specific and realistic, much like deciding on the Thanksgiving menu. Maybe you want to improve team productivity or launch a new project. Whatever it is, write it down. Clear goals give you something to aim for and keep everyone focused.

Next, break down these big goals into bite-sized tasks. It’s like prepping ingredients before you start cooking; chopping veggies, marinating the turkey, and baking pies all need to happen in a certain order. Assign these tasks to your team members based on their strengths and availability. This not only makes the workload manageable but also ensures everyone knows what they need to do.

Timeframes are crucial. Assign deadlines to each task to keep things moving. Imagine trying to cook a Thanksgiving dinner without a timeline; chaos would ensue. The same goes for your strategy. Setting deadlines helps you track progress and make adjustments if something falls behind.

Communication is another vital ingredient in your strategy recipe. Keep the lines open and make sure everyone knows their responsibilities and the overall game plan. Regular check-ins can help you stay on top of things and address any issues before they become major problems.

Lastly, be prepared for the unexpected. Just as you might have a backup plan if the turkey takes longer to cook, build some flexibility into your strategy. Life happens, and sometimes you need to pivot. Being adaptable will help you navigate any surprises that come your way.

In short, Planning is about setting clear goals, breaking them down into manageable tasks, assigning deadlines, and keeping the communication channels open. With a well-thought-out plan, you’re well on your way to leadership success.

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Phase #3: Ex - Execute

Now comes the exciting part—bringing your strategy to life. Think of it as finally serving that Thanksgiving dinner after hours of preparation. It’s crucial to keep your team engaged and informed throughout the process.

Kick things off with a clear, motivating message. Just like a toast before the meal, set the tone and let everyone know how their efforts contribute to the overall success. This isn’t just about issuing orders; it’s about inspiring your team and making them feel a part of something bigger.

As tasks get underway, ensure you’re accessible for questions and support. Your role is akin to that of a host, making sure everyone is comfortable and has what they need to succeed. Be proactive in addressing any concerns and be prepared to offer guidance.

Track progress diligently but don’t hover. Trust your team to carry out their roles while maintaining a watchful eye on key milestones. It’s like checking in on the turkey occasionally without opening the oven door every five minutes.

Regular updates and feedback sessions are your best allies here. Set up short, frequent check-ins to discuss progress and any potential roadblocks. This keeps everyone aligned and allows for quick course corrections if necessary.

Flexibility is also vital. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to tweak your approach. It’s the equivalent of adjusting seasonings in a recipe; small changes can make a big difference. Stay agile and ready to pivot as new information comes to light.

By maintaining a balance of oversight and trust, you can ensure smooth execution and achieve your strategic goals with finesse.

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Strategy and Thanksgiving in a Nutshell

So, what can you learn from Thanksgiving when it comes to strategy? Follow the APEx framework, A-Analyze, P-Plan, and Ex-Execute, for a practical approach to implementing strategy. Keep it simple, communicate clearly, delegate tasks, and be ready to adapt.

With these essentials, you can lead your strategy with confidence and efficiency.

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Happy Thanksgiving!

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Written by:

Nicki Vo, 11/20/2024

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