How to run a successful Strategy Formulation workshop

In this post we want to share some insight on Strategy Formulation workshops we run with our customers.

First of all we help our clients to form the team that will run the workshop. Typically you need top leaders of the company accompanied by their selected subject-matter-experts.

Then we book 3 days of their time. Provide room big enough for all participants, prepare all the stationeries (sticky notes, markers, flipcharts / whiteboards) and bring food (food always boosts productivity).

The workshop is segmented into 4 distinct areas, in logical order.

• A Space - what is our current situation

• B Space - what is our desired future

• C Space - how will we get there

• D Space - detailed plan

In A Space you start with techniques helping you to map the current status (retrospective, SWOT analysis, root-cause analysis), and identify "must-win" battles.

In B space you move to "defining the future." The team agrees on 3-5 years vision, definition of key objectives, identification of major problems and only after that works on key strategy themes.

In C space the team suggest possible ways how to get from "now" to "future." There will be many options and team needs to shortlist them to reasonable amount of strategy themes.

In D space you decompose strategy themes into detailed plan. What needs to be done, by whom, by when. Prioritize, budget and resource adequately - because work on strategy themes requires money, people and time in a same way, as your "normal" projects.

In all cases we work with sticky notes (post-it cards). We use big whiteboards, flipcharts - AND an intensive collocated workshop. And of course - the team needs a skilled facilitator.

Facilitator is responsible for:

• keeping everybody up-to date about entire process or its part

• informational flow between team members

• overall energy of the team

• time-boxing of the activities

• enforcement of "good behavioral codex"

• staying on track and on topic

• course-correction whenever needed

• informally lead the team towards desired outcome (defined strategy)

Everybody who tried once wants to continue this way.

P.S. The equally important part is how we correctly EXECUTE the strategy. We will let you know in coming post(s).

Stay Agile!