Take a fresh look

For an organization to act strategically, the people within it and especially those leading it need to think strategically, make decisions based on that thinking and put those decisions into action.

A challenge in becoming a strategically driven organization is gaining perspective on the current state and direction of the organization.  Without perspective, the organization is functioning and moving based on assumptions that are dated and perhaps even wrong.

Military strategists talk about "the fog of war," meaning that information is limited on a chaotic battlefield and that decisions therefore may be very poor ones.  The troops may be unknowingly sent marching directly into the enemy's stronghold!

So how does the organization gain perspective so the assessment of the situation and subsequent decision making are improved?

What's need is a fresh look.  A fresh look can be a good thing.  New perspectives lead to new insight.  Getting a different take on a situation can confirm or displace previously held assumptions.  Roadblocks and inhibitors to strategic success that were hidden become visible.

You can get a fresh look at the organization by leaving it and then coming back and looking at it fresh and unengaged in the day-to-day.  You can literally "stop the action" by pulling people away from their normal routines and holding "town meetings" where the organization is assessed.  You can have people spend time in other organizations to learn new ways.  You can "get new eyes" by having consultants and other neutral and experienced third parties look at the organization and offer their different perspectives.

However you do it, getting a fresh perspective on the state and direction of the organization and what's around it is an important step in strategic decision making.  It can't be fun to drive off a cliff!