方針管理 Hoshin Kanri = Strategy Deployment

方 + 針 = policy; course; plan (of action); principle

管 + 理 = control; management

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A plan of action developed with guiding principles carried out in a controlled and rational way. Each Kanji providing its own significance but brought together providing a simple yet elegant definition.

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Over the course of years, many businesses have spent an exorbitant amount of time and resources ($$$) on developing a phenomenal strategy, only to quickly throw it to the wayside when something shinier or short-term needs arise. Recently, a company provided a list of their current projects to us and they were shocked when it filled out the front and back side of an 8 x 11 sheet of paper. Sadly, we were not. It's not uncommon for organizations to take on too much without realizing the expense it has on people, time, and the bottom line. According to a well-written article by Olson, A.B. (2022, June 24)in the HBR article, 4 Common Reasons Strategies Fail, (https://hbr.org/2022/06/4-common-reasons-strategies-fail) studies show, "60-90% of Strategic Plans never fully launch".

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The article lays out four head-nodding reasons why it occurs and you are encouraged to read it. As the sherpa to companies seeking big accomplishments, they often are very excited about the initial phase, but man, oh man the commitment part is so hard! The "Squirrel!" moments start by leaders stating, "We just have to focus on the 'right now'"; "It's the end of the quarter, we have to concentrate on how we're going to report results"; "It will have to wait until we get through this crisis", and so forth. Bluntly, those are all excuses. It takes real chutzpah to not just put this stake in the ground, but to firmly plant it in often dry, hard-packed dirt that requires much nurturing to keep it there. For instance, in the article written by Ball, B., Hargraves, P. and Watson, C., (2017 Nov 24) A framework of connections between soil and people can help improve sustainability of the food system and soil functions. NIH National Library of Science. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5857264/ it is pointed out how the complex requirements of nutritional soil and reconnecting our temporal connections to the earth are necessary to create healthy grounds rich for growth. While this is a deep, thought-provoking article, it bears reflecting on what it requires to grow and sustain a robust strategic plan.

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Having a sexy strategy to show all your friends may be what all the cool kids are doing, but only do it if your company is ready to commit! A company must be willing to follow the very first principle written by Liker. J, (2003 Dec) in the The Toyota Way, "Base your management decisions on a long-term philosophy, even at the expense of short-term financial goals". The amount of time and energy your leadership team provides each year during this exercise should end in a raising of the trophy moment! Do not let too many projects and number one priorities throw you off course.

 

Our role at ALTATUDE Consulting has been to turn heads away from the squirrel back to the plan of action; teach how to nurture the soil and connect its meaning to each individual, and motivate teams to exceed goals. Challenging yes, but no one has ever said climbing mountains or running businesses would be easy.

 

We WILL help you achieve!