To informally identify what an organization’s strategy really is, or has been, flush out its persistent pattern of behavior over the past few years. What outcome have people pursued and delivered — beyond tactical, short-term, or irregular activities? How has the strategy built up over time? How has the consistency of actions and behaviors developed?
Often there is a difference between strategy as discussions and strategy in action. The organization says it is doing one thing but persists in a pattern of behavior and activity that is different. Why might this be?
It might be that the written strategy has not been communicated and socialized. Perhaps the management team is not leaving the room telling the same story. Maybe it was created to justify an investment or another decision.
Examining persistent behavior patterns is an easy way to explore where you may need to adapt and change — and why that change is necessary.