When I think about how I work as a strategist, I start with the image a compass.
While I may begin working before this, in terms of reading information and going for a walk, by the time my client gets to hear and see my thoughts it’s the compass that they are interested in.
Why a compass?
From where we are now, and where we think we need to get to, what bearing do I need to take?
It’s what a compass is good for.
Orienting within a given terrain at a specific moment.
The thing about a compass is, whenever you need to make sure you’re still heading on the same bearing – or if you need to divert, or even change direction – you can use to work out how to get somewhere from the point you’re at.
Every time.
Orienting yourself around the challenge is really important. It’s not a step that can be skipped, or guessed at.
And the more I read and write around systems thinking, the deeper I believe this.
For clients, I am the compass.
I am the person who helps them understand where they are and where they want to go.
Together work out the possible routes.
More on that later.