Why Think Strategically?
Engaging in organizational change without first engaging in strategic thinking is like embarking on a road trip without considering the purpose or destination. While there may be scenic opportunities along the way, valuable opportunities will be missed, the cost will be higher, and the endeavor may not lead anywhere good. Time is likely to be wasted overcoming avoidable “crisis” along the way. The travelers are likely to miss out on valuable treasures that could have been encountered with proper planning. The journey may end up far from what the travelers had hoped it would be.
Likewise, strategic thinking is an immensely valuable when preparing for organizational change. Change is inevitable. Organizational changes occur whether leaders want it or not. Insightful leaders will recognize impending or necessary changes and engage intentionally. While definitions vary, strategic thinking includes critically considering implications related to the big picture of the organization and its future.
Strategic thinking can illuminate practices that may have become outdated or incongruent with the organizational mission or professed values. Strategic thinking provides opportunity to confront the excuse that “it’s always been done this way.” It allows leaders to consider outside factors that could impact the organization and prepare for an unpredictable future. The process of reflecting, questioning, and refining equips organizations to proceed forward from a position of strength.
Understanding Organizational Change
In her book, “Strategic Thinking and the New Science,” T. Irene Sanders provided insight into how to move forward in an increasingly interconnected and rapidly changing world. Sanders related organizations to ecosystems. Organizations are continually confronted with new information and circumstances. The organizations must then adapt and regain equilibrium. Some changes are small, yet some may bring about significant transformation. In this type of system the initial condition influences later outcomes and even small changes can lead to large, unexpected outcomes.
Leaders are best equipped to plan for desired outcomes when they are first aware of the initial condition of the organization leading into the change. From there, rapidly changing internal and external influences may result in complex and unpredictable outcomes. How can leader prepare for the unknown? Strategic thinking prepares leaders to move forward.
Foundational Values
In preparation for organizational change, it is important for leaders to consider core values that guide the organization. Core values can then be used to help navigate organizational change. The values provide guidance for making decisions when time is short and outcomes are unknown. Possibilities that do not align with the organizational values can be quickly eliminated.
In her new book “Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts,” Brené Brown highlighted the importance of “operationalizing” values in contrast to only professing them. Strategic thinking provides leaders with opportunity to consider how the values can be integrated into organizational practices and procedures.
If organizations have existing core values, strategic thinking provides an opportunity to assess whether or not the values are still the best fit for the organization. Additionally, strategic thinking provides opportunity to consider where there may be gaps between core values and organizational practices. If gaps are uncovered, leaders can consider how the values can be integrated into company practices when the changes are implemented.
If the company does not have existing core values, strategic thinking provides an opportunity to consider what is most valuable to the organization and its leadership. If there is lack of agreement or clarity about what it most important, there is opportunity to explore, discuss, and gain clarity. An organization’s core values provide a foundation for designing and navigating impending changes.
What does success look like?
Without a clear destination, leaders may regret where they end up. Goals create both a clear destination and establish guideposts along the way. Strategic thinking helps to ensure that goals align with the company vision and values. Goals may need to be adapted over time based on unforeseen changes and circumstances. That’s okay. Strategic thinking allows leaders to set goals that help define success and create a roadmap to get there.
What is the cost?
After defining success and mapping out how to get there, leaders can consider the costs. Strategic thinking can lead to strategic planning, during which leaders consider how much time and resources are needed. They can then consider whether or not the organization currently has the necessary resources or if it will have access to obtain them.
Strategic thinking provides opportunity to consider potential impacts of unforeseen costs or circumstances. It is valuable to consider potential roadblocks that may impede progress. Leaders can then consider whether or not the organization has enough margin and fortitude to overcome potential or existing roadblocks. Strategic thinking also considers external factors that could impact the organization. Unforeseen circumstances are by nature unpredictable, but leaders do well to consider various factors when determining if the organization has what it takes to succeed. If needed, leaders have the opportunity to revise the proposed changes before announcing or implementing them.
Strategic thinking allows leaders to consider the potential unforeseen impacts of the change. Leaders can consider how their people will react or be impacted by the changes. They can also think through how changes in one area of the organization may impact other areas of the organization or stakeholders outside of the organization. The potential “ripple” effects may be unpredictable, but considering possible impacts before implementing changes keeps leaders from being caught off guard when unintended impacts arise.
What needs to be left behind?
Strategic thinking that precedes organizational change provides a valuable opportunity to determine what needs to be left behind. Old practices, procedures, or ways of thinking may have become outdated or unhelpful. They may need to be changed, refined, or eliminated. There may be things that the organization is doing that may no longer fit with the new direction. New structures or procedures may need to be established. Strategic thinking provides opportunity to consider the best course of action to allow the organization to move forward most effectively.
Seek Out Wisdom
Strategic thinking provides opportunity to obtain outside counsel. Leaders can consult with mentors, subject matter experts, colleagues, and others who may provide valuable insights. It is as King Solomon stated in Psalm 15:22, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (NIV). Organizational change is complex, arduous work and leaders are likely to encounter resistance and unforeseen challenges. Enlisting support from the beginning can help prevent unnecessary pitfalls and provide leaders with a support network to lean on throughout the change process.
Most importantly, by spending time engaging in strategic thinking before implementing organizational change, leaders experience opportunity to receive input and wisdom from the Lord. Leaders have opportunity to invite the Lord into the process from the very beginning. James 1:5 explains that the Lord will give wisdom to all who ask, without finding fault. The Lord may bring to mind considerations that may have otherwise been overlooked or provide strategies, insights, redirections, or warnings along the way.
Considering the rapidly changing, complex, unknown future, consulting with the One who created the world and everything in it is certainly a strategic advantage. Additionally, by seeking the Lord’s guidance and direction, leaders ensure they are leading the organization forward in a way that honors and pleases the Him.
Proceed with Thought!
Strategic thinking equips and prepares leaders with purpose and wisdom as they move forward with organizational change. Without such preparation, leaders may be caught off guard when inevitably confronted with the unexpected. Engaging in strategic thinking allows leaders to cut out what does not belong and refine what does. It prepares them to both avoid and prepare for potential obstacles. Leaders can begin to foresee and plan for future needs. Strategic thinking helps equip leaders with a road map and tools for navigating the change. By spending time thinking strategically before implementing change, leaders set themselves, their people, and their organizations up for strength and success!
"...they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations." Isaiah 61:4
Additional Resources:
Brown, B. (2018). Dare to Lead: Brave Work, Tough Conversations, Whole Hearts. London: Vermilion.
Sanders, T. I. (1998). Strategic thinking and the New science: Planning in the Midst of Chaos, Complexity, and Change. New York: Free Press.
