Change Management Insights

Before you finalize your next strategic plan, ask yourself: Will it drive meaningful change? Or will it become another document that sits on the shelf, only to be looked at when it’s once again time to create a strategic plan? Too often, the strategic planning process is carried out in isolation by people who are too disconnected from daily operations. The result is a strategic plan that may look good on paper but fails to achieve the intended results. Don’t get me wrong. When done well, a strategic plan is a powerful tool. It provides a roadmap, aligns people with the organization, and can create momentum. However, in my work with executive teams, I have identified three fundamental flaws in strategic plans and planning processes that hinder organizations’ progress.

Emotions get a bad rap, especially in business. As leaders, we are often told to leave our emotions at the door and act and think rationally. People also view leaders who show emotion as weak and poor decision-makers. Yet clear, present and rational thinking requires leaders who can tap into and navigate their full range of emotions. In a world that pushes leaders to be strong, decisive, rational and relentlessly positive, by either ignoring their emotions or focusing only on positive emotions, Dr. Susan David, author of Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change and Thrive in Work and Life, offers an alternative. Grounded in science, David's approach helps you tap into one of your most powerful navigation systems for dealing with life's challenges.