Thinking About Strategy

Strategy can mean different things to different people; ten experts may offer ten distinct definitions. From my perspective, strategy is fundamentally about creating a path forward. It applies to individuals, teams, organizations, products and services, and anything that must move from its current state toward a desired future.

Strategic Planning and Execution

Before pursuing a strategic objective, leaders should examine why the proposed strategy will solve an underlying problem. Clarity Execution guides leadership teams in defining strategic objectives and turning them into action. The process begins by exploring the key areas that shape a complete and practical strategy:

Problem and Value: What problem must be solved, and what value will the solution create?
Audience and Need: Who experiences the problem, how significant is it, and can those who need the solution be reached?
Relationships: How will relationships with those we serve be built and sustained?
Solution Delivery: What will delivering the solution involve?
Key Partners: Which partners are essential to making the strategy possible?
Core Activities: What recurring work is required to deliver the solution effectively?
Financial Sustainability: Where will funding come from, where will it be spent, and will the model remain balanced?

Strategy Management Training & Development Program

Strategic Alignment

Full Program Supporting Content
8 Contact Hours
0.8 Continuing Education Units
8.0 Professional Development Units

Course Description

Strategy begins with identifying the objectives that matter most and executing them effectively. Success depends on aligning projects and portfolios with the organization’s broader strategy. This program shows participants how to create that alignment and translate strategic plans into measurable results.

Participants examine how strategy connects portfolios, programs, and projects, then draw on their own experiences and goals to develop a structured plan. By evaluating and applying practical tools, they build the confidence to use these methods in their professional settings.

The program also develops the leadership capabilities needed to execute strategy successfully.

Participants explore organizational culture, strategic focus and positioning, product and service models, and the ways organizational size can shape implementation.

Strategic management is relevant at every level and across organizations of all types, including for-profit and nonprofit entities; and it is not limited to senior executives.

Course Outline

Strategy Fundamentals
Maintaining Strategic Position
Building the Strategic Model
Applying Strategic Tools
Strategy in Nonprofit Organizations
Managing Project Portfolios
Organizational Culture and Strategy
Aligning Projects and Programs

How Others Define Strategy

There is no one right answer, only opinions.

The question becomes, what do you and your organization need to achieve?

Thought Leaders on Strategy

“…Value for Shareholders…”: Kaplan, R. S., & Norton, D. P. (2004).

Strategy Maps. Harvard Business School Press.

“…Competitive Advantage…”: Pearce II, J. A., & de Kluyver, C. A. (2015).

Strategic Management. Business Expert Press.

“…Superior Performance Relative to Competitors…”: Rothaermel, F. T. (2017). Strategic Management. McGraw Hill.

“…How a Business is Going to Compete…”: Porter, M. (1980).

Competitive Strategy. The Free Press.

“…Plan for Achieving Goals and Objectives…”: Nickols, F. (2008).

Strategy, Strategic Management, Strategic Planning, and Strategic Thinking.

“…Building Capabilities & Competencies…”: Gerald Jeffs (2019),

Strategy & Project Management Professional.

What Strategy Is, and What It Is Not

Strategy matters only when it is translated into decisions, plans, and actions. Conversations about growth, new services, or product ideas remain theoretical until the organization commits resources and begins implementation. Its true; strategy is revealed by what it funds, which projects it prioritizes, and the changes people can see across the organization.

How Portfolio Oversight Supports Execution

Effective oversight of the strategic project portfolio helps an organization:

Maintain focus on the work that matters most.
Create internal clarity about strategic direction.
Adapt priorities as market conditions change.

Clarity Execution can help move conversations from future intentions to actions underway.