In a meeting last week I realized that strategy is plastic and needs to be approached as such.

At the simplest level strategy needs an iterative approach with respect to time. Yesterday’s strategy differs from today’s (new information, clarified assumptions, …) and will differ from tomorrow’s [Riya did a good job practicing this].

There are times when a leader needs a plastic enough approach to strategy to execute on something seemingly wrong. Not simply a counterintuitive strategy but one that runs in the face of the overall strategic vision.

Overall strategy is made up of a number of focuses that are achieved through the successful execution of actions. Generally these actions are aligned with the strategy; however, sometimes the best way to fulfill a strategic focus is through the execution of an action that, when viewed alongside the overall strategy, is wrong.

It takes a strong leader and a bold visionary to view strategy as plastic enough to execute the “wrong” strategy to best ensure the fulfillment of an action necessary for the “right” goal.

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