Build a strategy that solves problems

I have built dozens of strategies.

Some were successful. Some failed.

The successful ones shared 4 steps:

You don't have to be a CEO to build a strategy. But building and executing strategies is what executives do.

Unfortunately, many people create strategies that fail.

Here's why:

People want to reach their goals which are usually blocked by problems. The outcome of your strategy must remove those problems. Most strategies don't.

But there are other reasons strategies fail:

• There is no leadership support
• The status quo is working fine
• The problem is not important

It's hard to build a strategy that wins. Here are four steps that will make it easier.

Step 1: Talk to everyone in the organization

Spend your first 30 days talking to everyone you can.

Learn the details of how they accomplish their goals. Ask what prevents them from reaching their goals.

Step 2: Write what they say verbatim

A mistake most people make is summarizing notes while taking them.

Your brain is not wired to write and edit at the same time. Write what people say exactly as they say it. After the meeting, summarize the key points.

Step 3: Group the challenges

You will find patterns in the problems people have.

Group all the similar ones together and name the groups. These form the pillars of your strategy. These pillars help you talk about your strategy.

Step 4: Confirm the plan

Build a plan to solve the problems blocking people's goals.

Prioritize the problems within each pillar. Then focus on the most impactful ones.