Being StrategicAnnette Lees

Strategy is:

• The essential link between vision and outcome

• The internal logic that links all parts of our work

• Both thinking and planning

Six parts to strategic thinking1. Understanding your mandate2. Identifying the problem3. Articulating your desired outcome4. Picking your scale5. Designing the solution6. Delivering

1. Understanding your mandateWhat authority do you have?Who do you represent?Who are you accountable to?

Answers frame the scope and approach of the project.

Working by:• Legal mandate• Influence and persuasion• Building partnerships

2. Identifying the problemYou can’t solve a problem that you haven’tcorrectly identified.

Check:• Is the true and fundamental problem?• Have you got to the cause of the problem?• Have you picked the most important

problem?• Have you picked a problem that can be

solved within your mandate?

3. Articulating your desired outcomeWhat do you want to achieve?

An outcome expressed as crystal clear gives us:

• A strong foundation for strategic thinking

• Clarity for partnerships• Essential assistance in

communication

4. Picking your scaleHow big or small do we go?

Ask:• At what scale are you mandated to

work?• How big is your problem?• Will your scale solve your problem?• What is your budget?

5. Designing the solutionDesign a solution that will solve the

problem.- Check assumptions- Strategic planning- Closely linked operational planning- Monitoring and reviewing- Learning and improving

6. DeliveringEffectiveness will depend on:- Know how and can do- Alignment in policy, planning and

regulation- Integration of understanding and

knowledge- Common purpose- Good communication