Creating strategy together

A good strategy does not end in a document, but in a way of working. A good strategy is also created by working together. We explain how we do this together

Together with the customer

A way of working in which thinking, doing and feeling go hand in hand. In our approach, we use three steps: Frame, Design and Apply.

• In the Frame-phase, we investigate what is going on; from internal dynamics to societal trends. With (customer) interviews, AI-driven analyses and inspiration safaris (visiting inspiring organisations with similar challenges in completely different sectors), we build a rich picture of the context. 
• At Design we design strategic options that fit your ambition and reality. Part of the phase is extensive validation with and by the client. Only through co-creation do we ensure that strategic options suitable on paper also work in daily practice. After all, our clients know their businesses best.
• In the Apply phase, we ensure that choices land in the organisation: with clear projects, a roadmap and a way of working that offers room for learning and adjustment. 

This is how we combine head, heart and hands in our strategy approach: doing analysis based on facts, trends and insights (head), engaging colleagues, experts and even customers to give space to drivers, pride and culture (heart) and making it applicable by building in projects (hands).

Together with inspiring organisation

We are currently working on strategy development for, among others EW Facility Services. For EW, we organised a safari along five progressive organisations: the Efteling, ANWB, Olympia, Robohouse and Mondai. The Efteling showed how job satisfaction and intrinsic motivation can contribute to hospitality. At ANWB they told how pride, data and self-reliance can reinforce each other. Olympia inspired with a radically people-centric view of work and customer relations. Robohouse (TU Delft field lab) and Mondai (innovation centre TU Delft) made it clear how robotisation can be used in a smart and people-oriented way, with an eye for division of labour, technology and job satisfaction. All these insights help EW to make its strategy sharper, more people-oriented and more innovative, and above all: to make choices that matter.

Together with employees from across the organisation

The strategy consists of a vision, mission and ambition. We translate the choices that are made for this into strategic themes to give it hands and feet in the organisation. We do this in creative work sessions in which employees can contribute their knowledge and expertise. We use AI to bring speed and surprises to the process. Our work sessions are not only effective, but also fun, surprising and connecting. This is how we build not only strategy, but also ownership. In this earlier blog 'Strategy-making is and remains a verb' read more. 

A strategy must live in the organisation, which is why we translate the strategic themes into concrete actions and changes with our Thrive by Design method, looking at culture, structure, skills and ways of working. We make the story behind the strategy visual and inspiring, so that everyone understands where the organisation is going and why. Together, we build a clear roadmap with short-term and long-term priorities and design strategic working methods to make progress and adjust. This way, strategy does not become a paper exercise, but a people activity.

Together with you?

Do you already have a picture of where your organisation will be in 2030? Which choices are difficult to make, which ambitions are still too vague? Whether you are looking for direction, momentum or support, we are happy to think along with you.