The Purpose of a Strategy

I had to read a 30-page strategy document when I just started working as a software engineer.

I couldn't understand it. I was lost.

Only later in my PM career did I realise that it wasn't my fault. The document itself was the problem. It lacked a clear vision, a logical structure, and a summary.

A strategy isn't supposed to be a complex, convoluted mess that only the chosen few can understand...a good strategy narrativeHow to Craft a Strategy Narrative That Inspires Action is the bridge between what leaders think and what teams act on.

👉 The purpose of a strategy is to provide clarity and direction to the entire organisation.

A good strategyStrategy. Practical tips.Strategy lives in choices. A real strategy means trade-offs, clarity and direction. Not decks. Not noise. Just clear decisions shared across the team. is clear and concise. It's like an elevator pitch. You should be able to explain your strategy in just a few sentences (use the SCQASCQA Framework Explained: Situation, Complication, Question, AnswerStructure any argument in 4 steps: Situation, Complication, Question, Answer. The SCQA framework used by McKinsey consultants with examples and a template. to help you with it).

If you are a product manager, it's your job to work with your team, execs and peers to align them around the same goals. A strategy that is confusing or ambiguous only leads to wasted time and effort.

A clear strategy is especially important for start-ups, where every minute counts. To survive you've got to start moving in the right direction (hopefully!) and get results quickly.

So, if you're struggling with a convoluted strategy document, don't blame yourself. It's not your fault. Don't give up, though.

Instead, take charge and make it your mission to simplify and clarify the strategy.