Dr. Blake Faulkner

Discussion Comment

Michael, Iinvolving key constituates that will be impacted is essential for purposes of enhancing buy in and arriving at best decision possible. Nicely done! Dr. Blake Faulkner

Dr. Blake Faulkner

Discussion Comment

Following the Steps! Or Not?

Kathy, Interesting perspective. I think you hit on a critical point that it is important to continue to be open and listen to others even if there view point may not be aligned with yours. What department do you work in and what other functional areas do you find yourself having different points of view on topics on a regular basis? Dr. Blake Faulkner

Dr. Blake Faulkner

Discussion Comment

Following the Steps! Or Not?

Margarita, You have provided some very practical and useful advice on things that any employee or manager can do to stay connected to the overall strategic direction of their organization. These steps will all so help ensure that strategic thinking is aligned with strategic direction of the organization. Dr. Blake Faulkner

Dr. Blake Faulkner

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Decisions! Decisions!

Margarita, I think you have hit on a really important point. Understanding the "why" behind a decision tends to create greater buy in from those involved in the decision making process who have to carry it out. Even though the decision may not completely represent each persons individual preferences,the collaborative process provides them with an understanding of why you came to the decision. If you have an example you could share I would love to hear it and I am sure it would be helpful to others in the course. Nice work. Dr. Blake Faulkner

Dr. Blake Faulkner

Discussion Comment

Your Strategic Plan

Juvenal, You have identified some key components of the strategic planning process. I agree that part of the strategic planning process is determining your current reality and what you want that reality to be at set times moving forward. Clearly articulating the vision for the organization is also important. However, one of the key components of strategic planning that tends to be problematic is turning the strategic plan into action. Clearly identifying strategic objectives as well key action items with assigned leadership responsibility and follow-up to check on progress or adapt to changing conditions are critical components to executing on… >>>

Dr. Blake Faulkner

Discussion Comment

The Strategic Thinker

Daniel, Very good points. Thinking one abstract level beyond those you are leading is critical for a strategic leader. I think your point regarding thinking globally about a decision and all the constituents it may impact is critical to strategic leadership. It is a trait that many folks don't innately possess and I find that it is one that has to be fostered and developed within emerging leaders.

Dr. Blake Faulkner

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Working with the Obstacles

David, Very important point. Key is keeping people collectively focused on the best possible solution.

Dr. Blake Faulkner

Discussion Comment

Decisions! Decisions!

Allison, Good point. What is often lost in the decision making process is what objective are we trying to acheive. Command and control organizations tend to not get appropriate input into decision making processes and collaborative organizational cultures sometimes compromise the primary objective in order to gain consensus. The sweet spot tends to be in the middle where collaboration occurs to get inputs from all appropriate parties but ensuring that in the end the decision facilitates the objective being acheived.

Dr. Blake Faulkner

Discussion Comment

Working with the Obstacles

Misty, I think that you have identified one of the major challenges and have also identified a good process for effectively facilitating solid decision making. Nicely done.

Dr. Blake Faulkner

Discussion Comment

Decisions! Decisions!

Dave, In regards to a process change, how do you best come to an effective decision with a group of people from different functional areas and different viewpoints? Dr. Faulkner