Strategy Planning Inhibitors

Understanding the effectiveness of strategy planning process in large and small companies in a variety of industries yields seven inhibitors of the strategy planning process. A strategy planning inhibitor is an executive’s behavioral tendency or an element of the strategy process downplaying the role of scientific logic and quantitative analysis that integrates customer needs, operational metrics, and financial outcomes. Inevitably, a strategy planning process that is riddled with inhibitors leads to flawed strategy plans and doomed execution. The inhibitors are illustrated using the case studies, real-world observations from companies, and research-based evidence. A key insight is that the failures from strategy inhibitors cannot be mitigated by smarter decision-making, or through more stakeholder engagement, asking decision makers to de-bias their decision process, conflict management, or thoughtfulness.