Recently, I had the honor of joining as a guest on the Arsenal Opinion Podcast (AOP) [available to watch on You Tube and Apple] discussing Strategic Decision Making in Dynamic and Competitive Environments using the Arsenal Football Club of the English Premiere League as a case study for sound Decision Strategy.
For background, the founder of Le Grove, is Peter Wood, Vice President, Marketing for St. Louis CITY SC, a side in the US Major League Soccer. Peter and the AOP were instrumental in my early stages of joining Arsenal as a fan. I have always appreciated his objectivity with respect to Arsenal as a major sporting organization and the parallels to his experiences in the corporate world.
Early in our discussion, the conversation highlighted the same two critical components of leadership that were shared in last month’s blog: (1) The job is getting done and (2) The team (organization) is coming together. We then discussed the MRA belief that clarity, insight, and understanding throughout the organization on its Mission, Vision, Core Values, and Strategy is the primary vehicle to accomplishing both critical components of leadership.
Focused vs. Obsessed: Leadership Perception
Peter shared his perspective that the coach of Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, is ‘obsessed’ and ‘maniacal’ about the standards and then asked if this is ‘how it must be’ for successful leaders. What a great question, and the exact right question to ask! I was slightly taken aback as it was simultaneously insightful and one that I had not considered. Another great example of his insight and objectivity!
Upon reflection, Peter helped me see that I did not view Coach Arteta as ‘obsessed’ with his standards (our team defines these as the practices derived from expectations stemming from organizational beliefs – the definition of culture). Instead, I view Coach Arteta as focused. Focused on the ‘right things’ and, therefore, not distracted with those things that do NOT support (1) the job getting done and (2) the team coming together.
The Four Essential Elements of Strategic Leadership
For strategic leaders, it is our belief that they ONLY have time to talk about four things: Mission, Vision, Core Values, and Strategy. Everything else falls into the category of ‘distraction’.
It is our belief at MRA that strategic leaders do not have time in their day to talk about anything BUT the organization’s Mission, Vision, Core Values, and Strategy. The Mission (who we are, why we exist, and the difference we will make) and Strategy (the shaping of organizational objectives [ways] and resource allocation [means] to achieve desired outcomes [ends]) are the vehicles to (1) the job getting done. The Vision (picture of the desired future) and Core Values (the basis for culture) are the means for members of the organization to CONNECT to the job getting done in such a manner that (2) brings the team together!
As such, we believe that organizations must have a comprehensive Decision Strategy that is indelibly connected to their mission, adheres to their core values, and creates a shared belief that it will reach its vision. This strategy should empower the organization for decisive action at every level in a manner that is simultaneously human focused and outcome oriented. When both critical components are achievable through these four things, why would a leader want to spend time on anything else?!
Schedule a Consult with MRA
Schedule a call today so that we may support you with a decision strategy for the problem that ‘keeps you up at night’.
