profile

Hi! I make Strategy Simple.

Data-Driven Strategy

Published about 1 month ago • 2 min read

What's Inside...

1. A Firm Foundation

I don't typically START work at 3 pm on a Friday.

But I made an exception for a good friend last week...

And travelled to beautiful Charles Town, WV in the Shenandoah Valley to lead a strategic offsite for a growing law firm.

It was a beautiful, crisp autumn day!

Leadership gathered - clearly dedicated to the mission and the team.

I was impressed with the quality of the discussion we had.

They didn't ask easy questions like "What do we want to do?"

And espouse simple answers like, "Grow."

They asked hard questions like -

  • WHAT do we want to achieve?
  • WHERE do we want to play?
  • WHAT is our Strategic No?
  • HOW do we align capacity with growth?
  • WHO do we want on our team?

It is clear they want to invest in the right kind of growth at the right pace...

One where they maintain a commitment to integrity, excellence, and quality.

2. Data-Driven Strategy

Strategic planning, like so much in life, starts with asking the right questions.

Afterall, anyone can make a plan - but does it get you where you want to be?

Does it achieve your VISION - the future you intend to create?

Does it clarify your MISSION - what you do?

Does it define your VALUES - what you believe in?

Throughout the day we used data to drive decision making and ...

  • Reviewed survey feedback from the team prior to the offsite.
  • Dove deep into their P&L by account over the last 5 years.
  • Discussed how they see their values in action.
  • Assessed the competitive landscape and recent shifts.
  • Set revenue, profit, and headcount targets for the next 1, 3, & 5 years.
  • Created 1-year and 90-day account plans.
  • Defined roles & responsibilities and updated their org chart.
  • Aligned goals with accountability.

The result is a deeply informed and thoughtful way ahead.

Will it be perfect?

No. Nothing in this life is perfect.

But it is a start - grounded in mission-driven work, deeply-held values, and a concrete, tactical way ahead.
​
​And it provides the firm foundation (pun intended!) to strategically grow.

I can't wait to see where the team is this time next year.

******************************

If your team is ready for a strategic offsite like this please send me a note.

Until then, you can Jumpstart Your Strategy and...

​Schedule a call for help with your company's growth.

3. Ways to Work Together

Here are some ways we can partner.

  • Leadership Offsite: One or two-day offsite to define your growth strategy & priorities, clarify roles & responsibilities, and improve your team's communication. (Learn More)
  • ​Strategy Power Hour: 60-min virtual session to tackle a specific challenge your business is facing. (Schedule)
  • 1:1 Private Strategic Advisor: Develop long-term vision & near-term priorities and goals. Meet 2x/month during virtual sessions. (Learn More)
  • VIP Strategy Session for Growth: Virtual half-day session to leverage your expertise for growth. Develop your North Star & go-to market plan. (Learn More)

As always, thanks for reading.

To your strategic success,

Susan

Want to help a friend? Pass this on!

Got this from a friend? Subscribe here.

8116 Arlington Blvd, Suite 242, Falls Church, Va 22042
​Unsubscribe · Preferences​

Hi! I make Strategy Simple.

Susan Maly

Sign up for my newsletter Strategy Made Simple to learn tools to drive revenue, engagement, and impact. To your strategic success!

Read more from Hi! I make Strategy Simple.

What's Inside... Where the Rubber Meets the Road The Growth Triad Ways to Work Together 1. Where the Rubber Meets the Road I often hear, "We want to GROW!" The declaration generates excitement, akin to magical gift giveaways. "You get a car! And you get a car! Everybody gets a car!" It's a start, but the reality is 'grow' is not a strategy. And most companies don't want to grow so rapidly they can't keep up with quality or demand. Processes and systems break down, team communication dwindles,...

4 days ago • 1 min read

What's Inside... When the Offsite's Over Three Ways to Embed Strategy into Ops Ways to Work Together 1. When the Offsite's Over Imagine...Your team is gathered for a strategic planning offsite. The coffee and donuts are ordered. Everyone feels a sense of camaraderie (or boredom...😊) Maybe there's a fun ice breaker or even some sticky notes. The team generates some great ideas and a strategy for the days ahead. Then you walk away --- and --- NOTHING HAPPENS. Life is busy - it's back to...

2 months ago • 1 min read

What's Inside... Change is Hard...Even Good Change Back to Basics Ways to Work Together 1. Change is Hard...Even Good Change The end of summer and the transition to September is a new beginning. Days grow shorter. Kids are back in school. Gone are the days of endless summer and ever-changing camp schedules. As our family's schedule begins to solidify for the fall - soccer Saturdays, Scouts, and dreaming of long weekends - it's helpful to get back to basics. What meal can I make in less than...

3 months ago • 1 min read