The world of Planning is getting the plan accomplished.

The world of Strategy is moving in the right direction.

There’s a distinct difference between the two (and it goes beyond my tricky sleight of hand with defining the two above).

What if accomplishing the plan moves you in the wrong direction?

So, what? A strategy can do the same thing.

Ah, but the issue of direction is usually not the thinking in following a plan.

The thinking in following a plan is, “Are we doing what we’ve planned?”

Therefore, you’re not looking around to see what opportunities surround you that can move you forward.

You see, following the plan requires an internal focus. But, your world, your customers, and your competitors are out THERE.

Because strategy is for a world that is uncertain, there is an external perspective. It is seeing what opportunities show up, and what dangers and threats present themselves.

You cannot keep your eyes scanning the world around you if they are glued to that precious plan of yours.

Focus. Out there.

Previous

All Napkins

Next