Cause-and-effect logic is a critical approach in developing strategy. Cause-and-effect logic uses an “if-then” approach; that is, for example, “If we want to achieve Result X, then we need to take Actions Y and Z.”When cause-and-effect logic is applied to OKRs (short for Objectives and Key Results), excellent performance usually results. OKRs...

My last blog described how one of the most powerful applications of OKRs is that they can easily be cascaded down throughout the organization. Another big plus about OKRs, is that they can be aligned across the organization in horizontal fashion as well. The ability to align up and down, and side-to-side...

One of the most powerful applications of OKRs is that they can easily be cascaded down throughout the organization. In other words, we usually start with the corporate OKRs. From those we can create a series of business unit OKRs, then team-based OKRs, and from the team OKRs we can...

OKRs are quickly gaining traction as one of the most powerful and agile ways to maximize corporate performance. One of the main reasons is that the return on investment in terms of the value-to-effort ratio is extremely high. OKRs are nimble and straightforward to implement, and typically generate huge returns...

With the value proposition chosen and financial strategies determined, organizations must turn focus to their strategies and plans to win the marketplace. In other words, they must take the next step of clearly establishing and articulating their customer strategies. This is where branding and loyalty become extremely important in terms...

One of the middle steps in strategy mapping is to choose the financial strategies that align with the value proposition and overriding objective. Financial strategies tend to fall into three categories: 1. Revenue growth 2. Productivity 3. Asset utilization   Revenue growth This one seems fairly self-explanatory: it still merits...

Organizations that try to please everyone ultimately please only a few and disappoint many more. In contrast, organizations that narrow and focus their target markets, catering specifically to them, stand a much better chance of becoming a market leader and achieving strategic objectives. Though it might sound strange, there can...

For any organization, the overriding objective is a term that refers to the “raison d’être”, the main reason that the organization even exists. It is critical that the entire senior management team be in consensus on what this is. And while that may sound obvious, the fact is, most senior...

Strategy is complex but it doesn’t need to be complicated. Most businesses can gain a lot of momentum and results by following a four-step formula for strategic success 1. Plan Companies need to have a great understanding of the competitive landscape both internally and externally. A thorough size up, which...