We were eating lunch at the most delightful coffee shop. There were papers and reports spread out across the table. There were graphs and charts poking out from a file folder, and there was a line of sugar packets reflecting a possible new way of organizing the division so it could be more nimble and agile.
She looked up at me from the line of sugar packets as I pulled out a paper with their mission, vision and core values on it. “I think we need to review this document,” I said. “We have to be sure that what we are discussing is in alignment with this page.”
She nodded and said “Yes. It always comes back to the strategic nexus.”
I smiled. She was right.
In the trough of chaos, it is easy to forget the strategic nexus. We are often focused on dealing with resistance, endless problems and making sure everything is still on track given the strategic plan. With our heads down and pushing forward, we rarely pause for reflection.
However, the best leaders routinely pull out the strategic nexus and review it. First, they make sure they are not compromising the mission, vision and core values. They understand that this is the foundation of all that gets done. It is the non-negotiable elements of the organization.
Second, they review the strategic plan. Tactical action can at times be so consuming that we forget where we are going and why. The strategic plan offers direction and metrics to measure progress. These are vital to overall success of the company.
During these interesting times, make sure you are routinely checking your company’s strategic nexus. It will provide on-going clarity and focus.
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