Learn Strategic Thinking from Napoleon

By Mark Rhodes on February 19, 2020

Biographers of Napoleon Bonaparte talk about his ability to size up a situation with a single coup d’oeil,(pronounced koo-DOY), meaning “a stroke of the eye” or “glance.” Napoleon was so knowledgeable about his strategic situation—the landscape, the enemy, available technology, similar situations from the past—that he could understand and respond quickly to ever- changing circumstances. Napoleon […]

[ Read More → ]

Role of the Strategic Planning Facilitator in Planning the Planning Process

By Carter McNamara on April 25, 2017

The goal of strategic planning should be to produce a Plan that is 1) relevant, realistic and flexible;  2) with a very highly likelihood of being implemented; 3) in order to achieve the purpose of the planning, e.g., a purpose to evolve to the next stage of development, expand marketshare or survive major cost-cutting. A […]

[ Read More → ]

Mistakes Made by Strategic Planning Facilitators

By Carter McNamara on January 30, 2017

Here’s a list of the biggest mistakes that I have seen made by strategic planning facilitators over the years: 1.  Not getting sufficiently trained on how to do facilitating, e.g., planning the meeting, goals, ground rules, which techniques to cultivate complete participation, doing interventions, managing conflict 2.  Not learning a variety of strategic planning models, […]

[ Read More → ]

Strategic Thinking in the Age of LinkedIn

By Mark Rhodes on June 3, 2016

LinkedIn founder and triple billionaire Reid Hoffman has two endearing mannerisms that reveal the way he sees–and reasons with–the strategic environment. First, he peppers his statements with the word so.  Almost a verbal tic that would grate on a speaking coach like the overuse of the dreaded uh … but he uses it more like therefore.  That […]

[ Read More → ]

Develop Your Strategic Intuition

By Mark Rhodes on May 27, 2016

The best decision-makers in chaotic “fog of war” conditions seem able to call on intuition – knowing what to do without knowing why or how they know.

[ Read More → ]

pro bono, online program to learn strategic planning facilitation

By Carter McNamara on January 16, 2016

The Consultants Development Institute is offering a complete, online series to teach how to facilitate strategic planning for any type of organization. The series Facilitating Strategic Planning includes a pro bono Audit Track with unlimited enrollment. In that Audit Track, you get free access to all of the courses, tools, assignments and discussion forums with […]

[ Read More → ]

Moneyball and the Work of the Chief Strategy Officer

By Mark Rhodes on January 8, 2016

Moneyball and the Work of the Strategist Paul DePodesta was recently named the Chief Strategy Officer by the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League.  This is significant because, as any fan of Moneyball knows, Mr. DePodesta has spent his career in the sport of baseball, not football. This matters to the community of strategic thinkers because it […]

[ Read More → ]

50 Tips and Tools for Effective Strategic Thinking

By Mark Rhodes on December 22, 2015

To engage in strategic thought, you must think and reflect on the big picture—on the diverse players and forces in your competitive environment. Anticipate the future. Use your right brain for intuition and wisdom, your left for planning. As Isaac Newton said “truth is the offspring of silence and meditation.” Here are 50 tips and tools for […]

[ Read More → ]

To Learn Strategy, Know History

By Mark Rhodes on November 5, 2015

When you are faced with the most important and strategic decision of your life, where can you go for wisdom? Can you find insight in a book of history?  Facing a world in crisis, John F. Kennedy did just that. Generally, we learn skills by trying something, failing, and trying again until we get it […]

[ Read More → ]

Starting Planning with Attention to Mission Statement (and Brainstorming Goals) — Is that Best?

By Carter McNamara on July 25, 2014

It still seems common that many facilitators start strategic planning by having planners attend first to the wording on the mission statement, and soon after to start brainstorming strategic goals.  While that approach often can be done in a half-day or full-day of fun and creative “planning,” it has many drawbacks.  Here’s a list of […]

[ Read More → ]
Next »