What has a Russian doll got to do with strategic clarity?

Why is there a Russian doll in this article? Read on…

I've been working with a global HR leadership team this week as they prepare to drive a major transformation in their business. It reminded me why strategic clarity is so important. See if this resonates.

It struck me that everyone is focused on new technology which will enable far greater efficiency around the world and more effective people management (among many other things).

But, if course, tech is simply an enabler. I wanted everyone to focus on the big picture. The reason the tech is important. The 'why' and the 'how', before the 'what'.

Always start with the customer, whoever you are

So, at the workshop I led, we began with a session on the marketplace. We explored the big trends in their market, what major customers were doing, and how the company's declared strategy fits in with that. At an HR summit it was not the usual starting point, but it worked.

Because when we moved onto discussing the strategic narrative of the HR team, it was set in the context of the commercial drivers of their organisation. We looked at their mission as a team, the difference they wanted to make in the business, how they wanted to work with the rest of the business, how they wanted to work together, and what their reputation would be across the organisation. Getting this right will build trust with their senior colleagues, and so make them more effective with greater strategic impact.

This is not the usual starting point for a workshop on HR. Or one on tech transformation. But it should be. Because ultimately everyone needs to start with the end in mind - and the end is meeting the needs and ambitions of their best customers so well that they are the right choice as partners to them. The people strategy - like the tech, marketing, sales and every other part of the business - needs to align to that end.

That is why I feature a Russian doll as the picture at the top of this article.

I see the marketplace as the biggest doll on the left. The company - the second doll - has to be the right shape for that marketplace, and morph as customers change their configuration. Major parts of the firm and smaller units must adjust accordingly, and they are the next dolls. The people - the smallest doll on the right - need to understand the shape of the doll too and have some idea of how they fit into it.

Leaders need to be able to describe their strategy to make sure they are aligned with their clients and marketplace, and how they want their organisation to work and change to keep up. This has to be clear, well understood and provide a shape within which individual business units and functions can do the same.

This is strategic clarity.

The purpose is not to create uniformity or have everyone become cookie cut versions of each other. You want everyone to be able to bring the best of themselves to their work, and greatness requires diversity. But you do want everyone to be clear, because clarity is the basis of trust, and when people trust their leadership they choose to go extra miles and explore new ideas, maybe even make the odd mistake along the way.

4 years ago I recorded a 3 minute video about clarity.

I watched it again today and it holds up pretty well. If you have 3 minutes, do watch it here…

...and I hope it brings some clarity to you as you think about 2024.

And, of course, if you're seeking strategic clarity, do get in touch. Let's sketch out the Russian dolls in your world.