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What is the Strategic Viewpoint?

Published in Strategic Planning 3 mins read

The Strategic Viewpoint defines how an organization plans to achieve its goals.

Based on the provided reference, A Strategy Viewpoint models the strategic intent of an organization by articulating a Course of Action and the Capabilities and Resources needed to achieve it provides a modeled Outcome. Essentially, it provides a structured way to visualize and understand an organization's strategic direction and the key elements required to get there.

Understanding the Strategic Viewpoint

This viewpoint serves as a critical tool for communicating and planning strategy. It connects the high-level vision (strategic intent) with the practical steps and assets needed to make that vision a reality.

The strategic viewpoint captures several key aspects:

  • Strategic Intent: This is the overarching ambition or desired future state of the organization. It answers the fundamental question: "Where do we want to go?"
  • Course of Action: This outlines the specific path or major initiatives the organization plans to undertake to move from its current state towards its strategic intent. It details how the organization intends to compete and grow.
  • Capabilities and Resources: This identifies the essential skills, knowledge, processes (capabilities), assets, infrastructure, and funding (resources) the organization must possess or acquire to successfully execute the chosen course of action. It answers: "What do we need to succeed?"
  • Modeled Outcome: This describes the anticipated results or benefits expected from implementing the strategy. It helps visualize the potential impact and measure success.

By bringing these elements together, the strategic viewpoint offers a holistic picture of the strategy, making it easier for stakeholders to understand and align.

Why is the Strategic Viewpoint Important?

Utilizing a strategic viewpoint offers several benefits:

  • Clarity and Communication: It provides a clear, structured way to communicate complex strategic plans across the organization.
  • Alignment: It helps ensure that different departments and initiatives are aligned with the overall strategic direction.
  • Planning and Execution: By identifying necessary capabilities and resources, it directly supports operational planning and resource allocation.
  • Analysis: It allows for analysis of the feasibility of the strategy and potential gaps in capabilities or resources.

Practical Application

Organizations can use the strategic viewpoint in various ways:

  • Strategy Workshops: Visualizing the strategy elements during planning sessions.
  • Stakeholder Briefings: Clearly presenting the strategy to employees, investors, or partners.
  • Gap Analysis: Identifying what capabilities or resources are missing to achieve the desired outcome.
  • Roadmapping: Connecting strategic goals to project portfolios and initiatives.

In essence, the strategic viewpoint bridges the gap between high-level vision and actionable planning, providing a framework for strategic thinking and execution.