Course description

During this course, participants will develop a strategy that will take their business to the next level. This session focuses on building a business strategy and a strong vision, in addition to identifying the operating tactics that will make these things come to fruition.

Who should attend

This course is designed for mid-level managers and those who are managers of managers with at least four years of experience managing others.

What you will achieve

• Understand how strategies are developed.
• Communicate and translate a strategy.
• Use execution tools for ownership, buy-in, and metrics that matter.
• Manage risk.
• Use innovation in strategic thinking.

Key Takeaway

Develop a business strategy and communal vision with tangible execution tactics that will successfully lift your business to the next level.

What you will learn

Pre-Course Work

Prior to the course, a prework assignment book is sent to participants. Estimated time commitment is 1-2 hours.

Course Outline

Module 1: A Foundational Model for Strategic Success

• Foundational Strategic Model
  • Assess Current State
  • Competitor View
  • Self-Assessment
  • Forecast the Future
  • Define Your Strategy
• Assessing Your Options: Futures Wheel
• Exercise: Strategic Model

Module 2: Communication Strategy

• Define Your Strategy
• Translate the Strategy — GROW
  • Goals, Reality, Options, Way Forward
• Communication Strategy — Customizing the Message
• Monitor Progress
• Exercise: Change Management — Communication Strategy

Module 3: Tools for “More Doing”

• Stakeholder Analysis
  • Influence Strategy
  • Exercise: Stakeholder Analysis
• Scope Management
  • Framing Tool
  • Bull’s Eye Tool
  • Pareto Chart
  • Project Scope Tool Approach
  • Exercise: Defining the Scope
• Work Breakdown Structure
  • Exercise: Creating a WBS

Module 4: Risk Mitigation

• Understanding and Mitigating Risks
• Failure Modes and Effects Analysis
• Exercise: Using FMEA

Module 5: The Blue Ocean

• Advanced Strategic Thinking — Coalesce
• Southwest Airlines Case Study
• Exercise: Blue Ocean — Innovative Strategy