Quote: Strategy

“Strategy is not the consequence of planning, but the opposite: it’s the starting point.” – Henry Mintzberg

This profound statement challenges conventional wisdom about strategy and planning. Often, we think of strategy as the result of meticulous planning—a carefully laid-out roadmap to achieve success. Mintzberg flips this idea on its head, asserting that strategy isn’t the end product of planning, but the foundation on which planning begins.

What Does This Mean?

At its core, Mintzberg’s quote reminds us that strategy is about vision, purpose, and direction. It’s the overarching purpose that guides all subsequent actions, including planning. Without a clear strategy:

• Planning becomes aimless and disconnected.
• Efforts risk being reactive instead of proactive.
• Teams may focus on short-term tasks rather than long-term goals.
• There is no common purpose for the business or team

By establishing strategy first, planning gains purpose and coherence, aligning daily actions with the organization’s broader aspirations.

Why It Matters Today

In a rapidly changing world, this approach is especially relevant. Strategy provides a compass amidst uncertainty, allowing organizations to adapt their plans while staying true to their purpose. Instead of treating strategy as the end of a process, we should view it as the beginning—sparking creativity, focus, and meaningful progress.

So, the next time you’re tempted to dive into detailed planning, take a step back. Define your strategy first. Everything else will flow naturally from that starting point.