Executive teams that conduct their strategic review behind closed doors cut themselves off from the creative potential of their organization.

This approach can rapidly lead to the creation of an echo chamber.

The impacts can be significant. Not involving teams exposes the organization to unnecessary risks. Notably:

1. A strategy disconnected from reality.
2. Low team buy-in and passive resistance.
3. Missed opportunities and limited sources of innovation.

After several years of working with executive teams, I can affirm that involving the organization's various teams in the strategic process is beneficial and crucial for long-term success.

Here are 12 reasons why involving your teams can promote the success of your strategy and your business ambitions:

Engagement and Culture

1. Fosters a culture of openness and engagement.
2. Strengthens the sense of belonging.
3. Makes the organization's success more personal.

Diversity and Perspectives

4. Allows access to a diversity of perspectives.
5. Connects management with the reality on the ground.
6. Breaks down siloed visions.

Implementation and Alignment

7. Facilitates the preparation and implementation of decisions.
8. Connects teams to strategic priorities.
9. Allows the integration of strategic goals and priorities into daily actions.

Continuous Improvement and Innovation

10. Reinforces the strategic thinking capability of the organization.
11. Promotes better communication between groups and individuals.
12. Increases the quality of ideas, options, and choices.

Jim Collins emphasized in his book "Good to Great" the importance of having the right people on the "bus," listening to them, and trusting them.

Developing a shared vision and involving the various driving forces fosters a collaborative and multidimensional approach to strategy. The involvement of your teams can significantly influence the ability to make better decisions and facilitate the implementation of various priorities.

This ability to collaborate can be a fundamental competency in a context as volatile as today.

It can allow your organization to be more resilient and agile!

Have a good week,

Eric L'Heureux

PS. When you are ready to move forward, here are two options to propel your leadership and your organization:

1. Join our IAE-Pro Community to develop your strategic means of action (in French for now).
2. Take advantage of our support to define a clear mobilizing strategy and establish priorities with your team.