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Saving Livelihoods: Using Strategy Sprints to Restart & Revive Business

The Time Is Now Many businesses are facing an existential threat. For some, It’s already too late. Economic advisors are warning the reboot needs to start now because all indications are that waiting too long will plummet the country into an unprecedented depression. The Need Is Urgent Leaders need to rethink many aspects of how […]

Sirens, Scylla, & Charybdis: Why Your Strategy Needs an Experienced Captain & Crew

In Greek mythology, ship captains had to safely pass the Sirens “whose sweet singing” lured sailors to their doom; Scylla, a devouring six-headed monster (the rock) on one side of a narrow passageway; and Charybdis, a swirling, un-navigable whirlpool (the hard place) on the other. Not much different than the challenges of leading a major […]

ThinkWay Services During the COVID-19 Crisis

ThinkWay Services During the Pandemic (Effective Immediately Until Further Notice) (Updated 04/15/2020) A few weeks ago we were all concerned. Now it’s real. The COVID-19 crisis has raised the level of uncertainty in our world to new heights and put most plans for 2020 on indefinite pause. Instead, health, safety and business continuity are at […]

Firefighting, Strategic Focus & The Brain – How to Overcome Distractions

It’s a common problem after developing a strategy. Execution begins with great zeal but in a short period of time, the higher priority strategic efforts begin to take a back seat to less important but more urgent daily matters. Firefighting is a similar problem. “Distractions” keep you from the important things you really want to […]

20_01_13 Strat and Brain

Success (or Failure) Without Strategy? There’s No Such Thing. Here’s Why.

(Look for this graphic for articles in our Strategy & The Brain series.)   But They Say The Don’t Have A Strategy… I’ve heard many speakers say it. They’re very successful and when they’re asked about their strategy to achieve it, they pause and say “we didn’t really have a strategy”. But of course then […]

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Small Businesses to Focus on Customer Diversification, Innovation, Brand Perceptions

Each year, First Business in Madison conducts an economic survey of clients and others in four regions: Greater Madison, Southeast Wisconsin, Northeast Wisconsin and the Kansas City Metro area. The majority are small businesses in manufacturing, professional services and retail. In 2020, these small businesses intend to focus on diversifying their customer base, creating an […]

19_06_27 top problems

The Case for Strategy Capabilities (Part 3)

(In Part One of the series The Case for Strategy Capabilities, we noted that strategy is arguably the most critical leadership capability in business, yet it is the most underdeveloped. In Part Two we discussed how a narrow view of the exclusivity of strategy capabilities leads to the number one issue with strategy: lack of alignment. Here in Part […]

The Case for Strategy Capabilities (Part 2)

Companies need to reboot the CSO role and strategy itself.” –strategy& 2018 CSO Benchmarking Study   In part one of the series The Case for Strategy Capabilities, we noted that strategy is arguably the most critical leadership capability in business, yet it is the most underdeveloped. And the poor results and current lack of faith in […]

19_03_05 Struggle

The Case for Strategy Capabilities (Part 1)

Strategy is arguably the single most important capability for leaders at any level. How can you hope to lead anyone anywhere if you don’t know where you’re going or how you’re going to get there. Are you the CEO of a company? Better have a good strategy. Are you the leader of a function within […]

Upgrade Your Tools

It takes several tools to build a successful business. The most important tool for your organization is the ability to set strategy; strategies to conquer challenges, solve problems or capture opportunities. One day1 of ThinkPoints® can give you the strategy capabilities you need in your toolbox. Here’s what you get in just one day… Understanding of the […]

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