Strategy needs Soul

Strategy has long been regarded as the compass that guides us to our goals.

It's the meticulous planning, the careful allocation of resources, and the calculated steps we take to achieve what we set out to achieve. But what if I told you that strategy alone isn’t enough? There’s oftentimes a missing ingredient – for us personally, for our teams and our companies.

Maybe you’ve noticed, strategy alone is a hollow pursuit. It’s unsustainable at best and morale-deadening at worst. A meaningful strategy needs a deeper purpose. It needs a soul. 

Imagine a scenario where a company meticulously crafts a strategic plan. It's full of charts, graphs, and KPIs. Everything seems in order on paper. Does this sound familiar? But something is missing… maybe evidenced by lack of buy-in, little effective change or always needing more “motivation”. Classic strategy without soul. 

Strategy based solely on making money, making a smart move or beating competition will eventually lead to a hollow culture (and maybe even a hollow existence if you’ve put yourself through it long enough). There’s disconnect, inauthenticity, lack of engagement, burnout and (my key red flag indicator) a failure to adapt to changing circumstances. 

But there’s a different approach. An approach that places real human purpose and meaning at the core of its strategy. Every action, from product development to customer engagement, is driven by a sense of human concern – like legacy, love, gratitude, connection or even courage. 

When strategy is imbued with soul, it becomes a powerful force for change. The results we’ve seen with clients and our research? I’m glad you asked… 

Inspired Teams | Employees are no longer just cogs in a machine; they are inspired contributors. They feel a sense of purpose in their work, which leads to increased engagement, creativity, and dedication.

Authentic Branding | Customers are drawn to brands that stand for something real. Authenticity resonates, creating loyal customer bases and positive reputations.

Resilience and Adaptability | Purpose-driven organizations are often more resilient in the face of challenges. They have a North Star that guides them through uncertainty and change.

The path forward is simple, but not easy. Aligning your strategy (organization, team and life) around what really matters. And better yet, come up with financial metrics and other metrics to track how actions are correlated with making a real difference.

You’ve heard it before: if you can’t measure it, you can’t move it. If you need help, drop me a quick email and I’m sure I can at least point you in the right direction. 

Strategy with soul isn’t just about plans. It’s a blueprint for a more meaningful, sustainable and impactful future. When your actions are connected to something deeper – you create a powerful synergy that can drive your organization, your team and yourself to new heights – #NoMatterWhat you’re facing. Strategy alone can feel like pushing a rock up a hill. Give it a little soul and let that strategy actually come to life.

Key idea: Strategy without soul is unsustainable. 

Takeaway: Intentionally connect strategies, plans and action with deeper, human purpose