STRATEGIZE TO RISE ABOVE THE CROWD AND STAY AHEAD IN 2014

Ever wondered why some brands quickly fade away soon after their colourful launches while others linger on and never die? Well, a lot may be attributed to the different scenarios yet I believe critical calculations, which I refer to as strategic thinking. Strategic thinking concepts cut across the board and are applicable for organizations both in the service and product industries.

Strategic thinking is critical for organizations striving to gain competitive advantage in 2014.  Only those organizations that will strategically position themselves will be able to move from where they are to where you want to be.

Strategic thinking helps organizations to formulate a road map of where they want to go and how to get there.  It involves a creative analysis of the organization past and present performance while also focusing on its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Strategic thinking involves creativity to come up with solutions to common challenges faced by peers but, which others have not considered.

To gain competitive edge organizations must develop effective strategic leaders, create clear communication channels, develop key competencies and capabilities as required to achieve the set priorities, develop crucial organizational structures and processes, sustain an effective organizational culture, and infusing ethical value systems into an organization’s culture. Indeed, strategic teams have been known to brainstorm on various proposals and priorities, which can catapult the organization to where they want to be.

What then are some of the strategies that can ensure that our organizations remain competitive and relevant?

Timing is everything, read the mood in the market, find out the right time to launch a product or roll out a strategy. Positioning yourself at the right time makes a whole lot of difference. What is the feedback you receive as you implement various strategies? It is important to take into consideration what others are saying about what you do as it sometimes help refine the strategy or impose new strategic directions.

Feedback must be received from colleagues, superiors, subordinates and your market outreach. Uniqueness is another strategy organizations have used to outclass their peers. Take time to find out that which sets you apart from everyone else, the one element that makes you stand out and separates you from the crowd. This you must capitalize on to drive your organization into greater heights.

In business the customer is king. Customer- focused organizations focus their strategies towards finding out who their customers really are, what their customers need and how to satisfy those needs. As they do so they are handsomely rewarded through increased market share.

Review of performance is critical to assess progress of any strategy implementation process. It is prudent to stop for awhile and carry out an audit of your performance with an aim to improve the processes and perform better. Alliances are also important to help us lean on others to excel, establish who you need on board for a successful flight. This may take the form of financiers or even mentors whose experience can be your learning ground as you set strategies for your organization.

We live in an increasingly competitive world and only organizations whose brands stand out thrive.  To remain competitive requires an organization to constantly be on top of its game to be ranked among the best if not the best.   It is therefore imperative for such organizations to think strategically to be able to meet or even surpass their targets.