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is to cascade the strategy throughout the
organization and encourage employees
to brainstorm ways in which they could
best contribute to that strategy. A contest
could even reward the business unit
that comes up with the best plan for
implementation, turning the process
into a friendly competition that engages
employees and helps ensure their
ownership of the new initiative.
MOTIVATE:
At the end of the contest, the company
could host a celebratory banquet to
recognize the winners with awards such
as “Most Innovative” implementation
plan. This could be the first time that
participants meet physically instead
of virtually and should receive high
visibility to help motivate employees and
build camaraderie, which then prepares
the organization for the tough work of
strategy execution.
Make no mistake: I am indeed calling
for a major overhaul of strategic off-sites.
The truth is that far too many traditional
off-sites simply don’t work. They are
well-orchestrated gatherings conducted
mostly for show after important decisions
have already been made by a small cadre
of executives in backroom deals. It’s no
wonder so many companies end up with
“let’s do more of the same” strategies that
lack innovative thinking and fail to muster
enthusiastic support. To devise strategies
that are based on keen insights and
breakthrough ideas, companies need to
open up the process, bringing in the entire
organization. And the best way to do that is
through the use of virtual technologies. +
Keith Ferrazzi is the Chairman and Founder of Ferrazzi Greenlight, a research institute founded on the
pillars of behavioral science and its effects on business. Keith started his career as the youngest CMO at
Deloitte Consulting, then went onto become CMO of Starwood Hotels and Resorts, founded and sold two
companies, and solidified his status as a successful entrepreneur. Keith now works with high-impact teams
within Fortune 100 companies all over the world transforming and cultivating behavioral change, radically
affecting business operations.
KeithFerrazzi.com
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