In September 2004, David Reid, a senior strategy manager with BT engaged Conduco Consulting, to help test and future proof an investment strategy involving a significant investment in the network.
David says:
“ We used Conduco Consulting to assist us in exploring strategic opportunities offered by our next generation network investment.
Conduco's input was invaluable, not only in helping us approach the problem in a fresh, innovative and often challenging way, but in motivating and energising the team.
I certainly believe that Conduco added demonstrable value to this work, and that we learned important lessons from the experience that will help us run future projects.”
Mobilisation
The most important role of a leader is to mobilise resources, especially people, in pursuit of the organisations's strategic objectives.
The successful leader needs a style that fits with the organisation and its situation
Demist & Demystify
Just like trying to drive a car with iced up windows, if you can't see where you are going you are unlikely to get to your destination safely.
Likewise in organisations where there isn't a clear ethos, purpose and direction people feel confused and disoriented. This makes them disinclined to engage with a change initiative.
Think Outside-in
An organisation only exists as long as it is interdependent with its customer, shareholders, suppliers, employees and society at large. The moment it becomes dependent or independent of them it loses competitive advantage and begins to die.
To remain viable we must constantly scan and adapt to changes in our environment.
Everything is Connected
Having a clear view of what needs to be done, how it needs to be done, when and by whom is necessary but not sufficient. The people we lead have a right to expect the highest standards of planning.
A good plan is a set of interdependent and mutually supportive actions, aligned to an overall objective and strategy.
Map the System
Every organisation is a system made up of relationships between people. The role assigned to a person and their unencumbered freedom to act is the greatest clarification of relationship in the organisation. It spells out the nature and benefits of interdependencies.
Being clear and planning the roles and who takes responsibility for parts of the plan is mission critical.
Communicate & Engage
To mobilise a strategy everybody must not only know what is going on, but feel committed and a part of it.
This requires an approach that uses trusted relationships and gets the message to people in a way that fosters belief and credibility, whilst appealing at an emotional level.
