The strategy map
Strategy is a map that shows two points. One point shows where we are now, in present time. The second point shows where we can possibly be, in the future. Within this map, strategy shows the path, connecting the two points. For strategy to be effective, there must be a realistic view of how things are in the present. Within the individual work-process, the gaining of relevant information will provide information relevant to the current situation. There is no way, however, to fully understand the current situation. As for the future, it is even more detached, it didn’t even happen yet. it is simply made up of possibilities, that we ourselves deemed possible.
The Strategy gap
The gap between what is now and what is possible can be filled in with other parts of the individual work-process; creating ideas, testing ideas, failing and using failure as a platform for new and better ideas. Within this process :
• More information is gained, with a better understanding of the current situation.
• Positive results can be explored to better surmise what is possible.
• Failures can be explored to gain information on the obstacles stand in the way.
• Unexpected results can be explored to update existing possibilities and/or discover new possibilities.
• The prevailing path can be adjusted to overcome obstacles and/or lead to updated possibilities.
Realistic, optimistic and pessimistic
To strategize, being realistic is important. It is the point on the map where we are right now. If we do not have a realistic understanding of how things are now, all possibilities will be distorted. The importance of knowledge within strategy is not questionable. We can know everything there is to know about a software product, but if we’ve never use it as a customer would use it, we will never understand how it works as a tool. If we never know how it works as as a tool, it will be very difficult to clearly see possibilities for expanded use.
To see possibilities within strategy, one must be optimistic. To optimistically envision possibilities is to see them in their best light and best case scenario. Within strategy, being pessimistic about paths and possibilities will be helpful, as long as they are thoroughly investigated. Creating a strategy should include multiple paths to multiple possibilities. With much thought, the best strategy needs to be chosen and more activity needs to follow.