Strategy conference

Design of the conference has to serve multiple dimensions simultaneously. 

» Design for the task  

Even if the strategy has been formulated concrete strategic goals only materialize with further ideas. The design of the conference must focus on gaining insights and leading to decisions: 

• Strategic concepts, goals and priorities across organizational units,

• Competencies, behaviors and patters needed for success, 

• Initiatives and plans for resource deployment, apprach to governance and governance of realization.

» Design for dialogue

Discussion and debate make ideas. Each presentation should clarify a specific issue. Each issue should trigger input from the stakeholders. The outcome of each topic section is further designed proposals that feed into decision-making processes. 

Accordingly, topic blocks, results and interaction should be planned: 

• Overall work flow,
• Presentations to kickoff questions,
• Formats and methods of input by participants,
• Decision cycle: ideas, dialogue, proposal, decision, and commitment,
• Working modes: Dialogue at tables, groups, visualizations, direct inquiry with digital tools, digital collaboration of groups,
• Speed and rhythm of topics, with space and opportunity for flexibility.  

» Design of roles

Roles mirror responsibilities for results and processes: Initiator, design team, coordinator, coordinating editor, advisory management team, overall facilitator, logistics coordinator

» Preparation phase

Dialogue must be visibly underway for stakeholders before the strategy conference. The coference itself must act as an accelerator for a strategy process that is forming.  

Two months before the conference, the design team develops the questions: What need to be addressed in the conference? What input do we need from which participants or other groups in the company before the meeting? Possible question include queries, but also interviews conducted by participans or experts. Digital media can help to condense information at an early stage.

» Launch phase

Ten days before the meeting, information  packets are available for the meeting objectives. For the kickoff of the meeting, the information is available giving participants an equal level of preparation.  

» Steering process after the meeting 

Outcomes of the themes and groups feed into a steering process that monitors the outcomes, holds direction, guides resources, and fuels stakeholder engagement. The process must continue to disseminate and unfold the spirit of sharing, discussion, and transparent decision-making from the conference. The steering process should be modeled before the strategy conference and begin work at the conference. The first steering meeting after the conference should be fixed before the conference.

Dialogue and inquiry techniques from the conference can be permanently incorporated into the steering process, keeping the strategic conversation alive. Tools such as balances scorecards can be useful if, used properly, they reinforce values and priorities in the governance process.. 

The process perpetuates motivation ans personal commitment for the next scheduled conference. This is how the leadership process forms around strategy.  

HLP OrganisationsConsultants coach the overall process along with internal leaders of all roles.

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