Addressing the Elephant in the Room
Every organization has problems that need fixing.
Unfortunately, not every problem that needs fixing is acknowledged.
Between now and year-end, leaders are presented with an ideal way of getting tough issues out on the table so they can be acknowledged, debated and dealt with.
The venue is a strategic planning meeting. The process is “elephant hunting.” And the time is now: nearly 70% of the more than 150 strategic planning workshops I’ve led occur between Labor Day and Christmas.
At some point during a strategic planning session I’ll ask the question: What’s the biggest elephant in the room that we’re not talking about?
If the troubling issue that’s making everyone in the room uncomfortable isn’t addressed, your planning session is a waste of time, money and energy.
Not addressing meaty issues is one of the Top 10 Biggest Mistakes of Strategic Planning sessions.
Make sure you go elephant hunting this fall.