Ep16 – What to do when you hit a dead-end in developing a strategy

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strategic.li
Ep16 - What to do when you hit a dead-end in developing a strategy
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In this episode we evaluate how to proceed if you feel stuck when trying to find your end destination. We’ll discuss the importance of holding your ideas loosely and give some practical suggestions on using the sample method for confirming your hunches.

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Episode Notes:

  • What if someone completes all 5 methods to find their desired future and they still are coming up short and lacking clarity or don’t know what they think?
    • That’s OK! It’s OK to say, “I don’t know what I think about that yet. I still need to process and explore more on that.”
  • That assumes that it’s important to have a carefully constructed opinion on something rather than just parroting back what you’ve heard from someone else (which is how many people think).
  • Often, an idea can inadvertently become an identity declaration for people.
  • “You are not your ideas.” –Creativity Inc., by Ed Catmull
  • Our culture emphasizes the idea of someone who seemingly “knows everything” and is never surprised, but in reality, we never have all the answers and even when we do have answers, those answers are constantly changing. Thus, our thoughts and opinions should be constantly changing and adapting as new information is exposed to us.
  • You may not be clear on exactly where you want to go, to take your team, etc. You may not know what is important to you, what conclusions you’ve drawn, what values you have. “What destinations are better than other?” That’s OK. But what now?!
  • Go look at what other people think and see what resonates with you. People who’ve written about their lives or organizations who have written about their organizational identity.
  • It’s important to choose a desired future that aligns with who you are (as a person or organization), otherwise, you’re fighting yourself.
    • EXAMPLE: running a mile your form is less important than running 100 miles. Having smooth, well-aligned form is vital in a super-long run. This is how running a company is.
  • Sampling many options can help clarify. Try to taste different options and kinds of futures or destinations. Read a book. Try out something (volunteering, or just getting close enough). Try different geography.
  • Go ask people how to try out things that they are experienced with (e.g., camping, different geographies, photoshop, etc.)
  • A vital piece of determining desired future is getting clear on your identity.