Why strategy should never be built in isolation!
- Russ - Master Facilitator
- Jan 15
- 3 min read
Why Strategy Should Be Built Collaboratively, Not in Isolation
It’s that time of year again. When leaders everywhere are sitting down to hash out strategies, KPIs, and OKRs for the year ahead. The pressure is on to create the perfect plan that will drive growth, align teams, and hit those big, audacious goals. But here’s the problem: too many managers and directors are still trying to create strategy in isolation, behind closed doors.
Let me ask you this: how’s that working out for you?
If you’re tired of seeing strategies that look great on paper but fall apart in execution, it’s time to rethink the process. Collaborative strategy creation is the game-changer you’ve been missing. Let’s dive into why this works and how you can start doing it today.
The Problem with Creating Strategy in Isolation
When managers and directors lock themselves in a boardroom to map out the year ahead, they’re missing a critical element: input from the people who are closest to the action. Your team is on the front lines. They know the challenges, opportunities, and customer pain points better than anyone. Yet, too often, their voices are left out of the strategy conversation.
The result? Strategies that:
Lack real-world insights and context
Feel disconnected from daily operations
Struggle to gain buy-in and support
Take longer to implement (or fail altogether)
And let’s be honest: nobody wants to roll out another plan that’s met with blank stares or resistance.
Why Collaborative Strategy Works
When you involve your team in the strategy creation process, magic happens. Here’s why:
Diverse Perspectives = Better Ideas. Collaboration brings a mix of experiences, ideas, and viewpoints to the table. This diversity leads to more innovative and effective solutions than any single person could create alone.
Stronger Buy-In. When your team has a hand in shaping the strategy, they’re more likely to own it and feel motivated to execute it. It’s not just your plan anymore
- it’s their mission.
Faster Execution. A collaboratively created strategy is clear, actionable, and aligned with real-world dynamics. Your team knows exactly what to do because they helped build the roadmap.
Increased Accountability. When everyone contributes to the plan, accountability skyrockets. No more finger-pointing or excuses. Everyone is invested in making it work.
How to Build Strategy Collaboratively
Ready to shift gears and embrace collaboration? Here’s how to get started:
Host a Strategy Workshop. Bring your team together for a structured workshop. Create an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas and feedback. Use tools like brainstorming sessions, SWOT analyses, or scenario planning to uncover insights.
Define Clear Goals. Start by aligning on the big picture. What are the key outcomes you want to achieve? Be specific. Clear goals set the foundation for a focused strategy.
Involve the Right People. Don’t just invite senior leaders. Include team members from different departments and levels. They bring valuable perspectives that can shape a more holistic strategy.
Use Visual Tools. Tools like mind maps, whiteboards, and sticky notes can make the process more engaging and help everyone see how their contributions fit into the bigger picture.
Prioritise and Simplify. It’s easy to get carried away with too many ideas. Focus on a few high-impact priorities that will truly move the needle. Complexity kills execution.
Create an Actionable Plan. Break your strategy into clear, actionable steps with ownership and deadlines. Collaboration is great, but execution is where the magic happens.
The Time to Act Is Now
As we dive into this critical part of the year, don’t fall into the trap of isolated planning. This is your chance to create a strategy that truly aligns your team, drives action, and delivers results. The secret? Collaboration.
At Seicho Facilitation, we specialise in designing ultra-engaging workshops that bring teams together to create powerful strategies - fast. Whether you’re navigating challenges, setting ambitious goals, or just tired of long, unproductive meetings, we’ve got your back.
Let’s make 2025 the year your strategy doesn’t just sit on a shelf but drives real, measurable growth.
Reach out today to find out how we can help your team align, collaborate, and crush those goals.
Here’s to your most productive year yet!
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