Spark 16 – How to think more strategically: Strategic Authenticity: Example

To develop strategic authenticity in strategic thinking, follow these steps:

1. Shine your light: Clearly identify and map the belief, purpose and problem you have been solving. Figure out what has been working and why.
2. Shine this light on your thinking: The way to do this is to ask, ‘Is there anything about our strategic thoughts that runs counter to this authenticity? Is there anything we would need to do or become that is not aligned with this?’
3. Practise transparent communication: Maintain openness in all communications, reinforcing the authenticity of your strategic intentions. This is even more important when the strategic thinking requires a shift away from a successful past.
4. Regularly revisit and reflect: Consistently revisit your strategies to ensure they stay true to your core.
5. Foster a values-driven culture: Encourage a culture within the organisation that prioritises values in decision-making.
6. Evaluate impact: Regularly assess the impact of your strategies against your purpose, adjusting as needed to maintain alignment and authenticity.

By systematically incorporating these steps, strategic thinking becomes deeply rooted in authenticity, resonating with both internal and external stakeholders.

How to think more strategically: skills in strategic authenticity

Here are some ways to skill up in strategic authenticity:

• Narrative intelligence workshops: One of the most potent ways to cultivate strategic authenticity is through the mastery of narrative intelligence. These workshops train individuals and organisations to weave authenticity into their stories, both internal and external. Understanding how to authentically represent oneself or an organisation sets the foundation for strategic decision-making.

• Scenario planning with authenticity filters: Typical scenario planning is about preparing for various future states. But when each scenario is evaluated through the lens of your core mission and values, it evolves into a tool for strategic authenticity. Courses and facilitators specialising in this nuanced approach are increasingly available.

• Critical reflection journals: A tool common in executive leadership programs, these journals serve as platforms for consistent reflection. Instead of focusing solely on performance metrics, these reflections also ask deep questions about alignment with core values and mission, prompting regular authentic check-ins.

• Ethical decision-making models: There are specific frameworks designed to make ethics an integral part of decision-making. Skilling up in these models helps embed authenticity into every strategy, from team management to product development.

• Digital footprint analysis tools: In an age of big data, understanding your organisation’s digital footprint can provide invaluable insights into how authentically your brand is perceived. Specialised software can evaluate this and help recalibrate strategies to be more in alignment with core values.

• Peer consultancy circles: This collaborative approach gathers professionals from various sectors to offer insights and guidance on each other’s strategic plans and challenges. The diversity of perspectives, coupled with a commitment to authenticity, can enrich one’s approach to strategy. Many professional networks are now formalising this as a structured method for skill-building.

Remember, the key to strategic authenticity is embedding it into the organisational culture and individual mindset, rather than treating it as an add-on. These methods offer more than just skill-building; they offer a transformative lens through which all decisions are made.