What does it mean to invest in strategic reflection? Strategic thinking helps an organization to think critically about itself and its work:
- Why does it exist?
- What does it want to change in the short and long term?
- How does it contribute to accomplishing these changes?
- What value does it add?
- What stands out from other organizations?
- How to meet these goals effectively and efficiently?
According to the Royal Spanish Academy, “strategy” is defined as:
- A way of conducting military operations.
- A way of conducting a business.
- In math, a set of rules that ensures optimal decisions.
Being strategic involves making optimal decisions, innovating, and creating. Investing in strategic reflection is an organizational way to stand out and innovate vis-à-vis other organizations.
Why should organizations invest in strategic reflection?
Strategic reflection is part of the organizational ethos. Organizations that devote their time to strategic reflection processes can:
- Define their identity and purpose.
- Meet goals.
- Better respond to changes outside their control.
This reflection strengthens leadership, stimulates adaptability, and enhances internal communication.
What does strategic reflection involve?
Developing a strategic reflection culture requires the following:
- Relentless discipline and practice.
- Leaders are open to questions.
- Honesty to identify internal strengths and weaknesses.
These processes are intense because they force us to:
- Recognize mistakes and learn from them.
- Question objectives, capabilities, and strategies.
- Step out of our comfort zone and redesign processes if necessary.
Benefits of investing in strategic reflection: A successful case
We recently supported an organization in a strategic reflection process.
The outcomes after a year were notorious:
- Work plans aligned to strategic goals.
- Effective monitoring and evaluation of activities.
- More decisive and more participative leadership.
- Reduced stress and greater organizational clarity.
This case demonstrates how investing in strategic thinking transforms an organization’s internal capabilities and external outcomes.
Why investing in institutional strengthening is not a luxury
Investment in institutional strengthening is usually regarded as a luxury reserved for large organizations. However, strategic reflection is a need, not a luxury, especially in highly changing environments.
Organizations that think strategically are more resilient, better prepared to adapt to hostile environments, and stronger in their relations with colleagues and communities.
How to start investing in strategic reflection
1. Define clear goals: Why do you want to think strategically?
2. Choose a methodology appropriate to your needs.
3. Make sure you involve key leaders and teams in your organization.
4. Follow up on plans and constantly evaluate results.
Conclusion
Investing in strategic thinking is one of an organization’s best decisions to ensure its long-term sustainability and success. At COMETA, we are committed to supporting organizations in this process.
Ready to transform your organization?
Contact us to design a strategic thinking process that will drive your work and prepare you for future challenges.
*This article was written for the MacArthur Foundation blog in December 2020.