Thursday, November 6, 2008

Vague strategy statements

Ever wondered what these strategy taglines are all about? First thought that comes to us is the statement so pompously delivered by the top executive and displayed at all vantage points in the company, which any way does not carry any meaning for the employees.

We are talking about the vague strategy statements such as:
  • To be a world class organization!
  • Unleashing creative potential of people!
  • To be an excellent enterprise!

Rest assured there are no takers for these vague statements. With these generalized and sweeping statements leaders simply are not able to put the message across.

The first job of the leader is not to translate strategy into result, though it is what he does ultimately, the first step in fact is to translate strategy into clear and understandable language - a simple statement that tells people what is expected of them.

2 comments:

Subhendu said...

The example used here are visions of the leaders. They are the big pictures the leaders see and they are not to be confused as strategy to adopt. Please note that these visions are to direct towards a journey not a destination or goal to achieve. It is something which likes a mirage which will never allow us to have a feeling of accomplishment and reason to relax.

From this we need to prepare actionable strategies which should not be vague. A clear cut actionable strategy communicated perfectly will move the organization in the direction set by the visions statement.

VS said...

Thanks a lot Subhendufor your comments.

Unless leaders spell their vision in a clear, crisp and unambiguous manner, there is no way that his vision becomes a shared vision and inspire people into action.