Tag: strategic thinking | Mariposa Leadership

May 29, 2015 / Articles We Like / Strategy

On “Are You Solving the Right Business Problem? Here Are 5 Ways to Get to Your Question Zero”

Are you solving the right problem for your customers? The most strategic leaders we know understand the importance of surfacing their customers’ core issues, and offering the right solutions to address them. That’s why we share this article on a technique practiced by IDEO: question zero.

Leaders can use the question zero technique to understand what the problem is, why it is the problem, and how you can mobilize resources to solve it. Check out the Fast Company article, written by Ana Andjelic, SVP, Global Strategy Director at Havas LuxHub, Are You Solving the Right Business Problem? Here are 5 Ways to Get to Your Question Zero, for tips on using question zero to get closer to the essence of the core challenge your customers face.

What other strategic thinking techniques do you use to get to your customers’ core issues?

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May 29th, 2015|Categories: Articles We Like, Strategy|Tags: customer experience, customer focus, Fast Company, IDEO, problem-solving, question zero, strategic thinking|

On: "Free Your Strategy from Annual Planning"

How does your company define strategy? For many, the answer is through planning, budgeting, vision or metrics, among others. And that’s why we suggest reading this blog post by Ken Favaro.

In the strategy+business article, “Free Your Strategy from Annual Planning,” the author reminds us that strategy and planning are distinct and separate activities. Yet most companies merge them. Yes, strategy is hard, but combining it with planning creates a mess out of what ought to be a positive driving force for the health of your business instead of capturing opportunities. In this article, you’ll find three key tips for unlocking the true power of strategy in your organization. Read it now.

How does your company approach strategy?

Comment below! Or pose a question via Ask Mariposa.

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October 31st, 2014|Categories: Articles We Like|Tags: annual planning, business strategy, mariposa leadership, strategic planning, strategic thinking, Strategy|

Article Review: Strategic Thinking – Exercises and Tools for Creative Thinking and Strategy

Strategic Thinking – Exercises and Tools for Creative Thinking and Strategy
By Mike Brown, The Brainzooming Group

Strategic thinking is not a one-time event. It is an ongoing process, involving critical thinking skills, creativity and an overall perspective all organizations must cultivate and apply daily to successfully innovate and compete in business. Defining and implementing a successful organizational strategy relies on a solid strategic thinking approach, and the online resource, Strategic Thinking – Exercises and Tools for Creative Thinking and Strategy, outlines the characteristics of strategic thinking and contains tips, tools and tactics to help readers think strategically and creatively on an ongoing basis.

The content of Strategic Thinking – Exercises and Tools for Creative Thinking and Strategy includes:

The 4 Characteristics of Solid Strategic Thinking

Strategic Thinkers Seek Perspectives from Multiple Sources
Strategic Thinking Goes Beyond Today’s Reality
Strategic Thinkers Question Both the Familiar and the New
Strategic Thinkers Display Both Patience and Impatience

Applying Strategic Thinking Daily

Using Rich Strategic Questions
Anticipating Future Issues
Finding Ideas with Intriguing Connections
Generating Many Ideas Quickly
Innovating Amid Constraints
New Thinking with Old Ideas
Addressing Unknowns
Focusing on Efficiency and Results
Envisioning Possibilities
Telling a Strategic Story
Working Across and Up an Organization
Managing Challenging People

The Brainzooming Group is a catalyst for business people needing to successfully identify and implement strategic, innovative ideas. Mike Brown is the author of the extensive Brainzooming daily blog, including the Strategic Thinking article and the free eBook, Taking the NO Out of Innovation.

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May 2nd, 2013|Categories: Book Reviews, Strategy|Tags: Brainzooming, creative thinking, creativity, creativity in business, innovation, leadership, mariposa leadership, Mike Brown, strategic thinking|