Why Strategy Matters - Examples of Success
As discussed in the previous post, the straightforward trio of "ends, means and ways" provides a useful introduction to strategic thinking.
Vision is refined into ends and specific objectives. Available means are marshaled to achieve those ends. The ways are then formed by the well-thought-out methods.
Historical examples illustrate this point.
All three successful endeavors had three common attributes:
Clear ends
Sufficient resources
Methods that can be summarized succinctly
Unsuccessful national endeavors often lack at least two out of the three common attributes. They also lack strategies that are clear enough to understand yet flexible enough to fit dynamic situations.
Clarity regarding ends, means and ways enable a team to understand:
Ends: Where they are going
Means: Why they have the resources to be successful
Ways: How they're going to achieve their aim.
As shown above, strategic thinking need not be overcomplicated. Sitting down with a team and lining out ends (aims), means (resources) and ways (methods) provides high returns for low investments.
