Wisdom is knowing what to do next.

David Starr Jordan

The best way to predict the future is to create it.

Peter Drucker

 

Our understanding and practice of "strategy formation" in all sectors is sharpening. Timely.

Strategies are formed in many ways—through visionary and entrepreneurial leaders, through scenarios, through trial and error, through ongoing critical dialogue. And yes, through more traditional strategic planning, although its limitations are increasingly evident to both executives and practitioners. Identifying the correct strategy approach is crucial—one size does not fit all. What is the correct approach? The one that adds the greatest directional clarity for the least expendtiture of time and money.

Context takes a nontraditional approach to strategy work. The goal is not strategic planning—planning is means. The end, the goal, is intelligent strategy formation. The higher goal it is to create a smart, strategic human system—resilient, adaptive, future facing, and of course, successful. "Faster learning beats better planning", noted Gifford Pinchot III.

Context's preferred methodology is a “design approach”—a crisp “sense-making” and “solution-making” process resulting in a short, useable strategy document that aligns organizational insights and actions towards an optimal future.

Strategy formation with Context can be short and focused—one day retreats, or ongoing—year long engagements. We lead smart strategy work with executives, management teams, boards, citizen groups, networks, and entire organizations. We like it. Smart strategy is essential to smart human systems. Smart human systems are essential for a sane, sustainable world.

 

STRATEGY

      • Leading strategic and scenario planning efforts
      • Developing communications strategies
      • Facilitating network and citizen gatherings
      • Designing strategy conferences, workshops, retreats
      • Advising on organizational identity,  brand, and marketing

 

Of the many strategic planning consultants with whom I have worked, you were the first person I met who truly excited me about the prospect. I appreciate your approach to developing strategies rather than plans.

 

David Greenberg, Ph.D.  President and CEO

Planned Parenthood of the Columbia/Willamette

The truth is I have not come across any truly forward thinkers in the consulting world, until now. I'm not sure how many times in life a person approaches a moment in time with the kind of clarity of vision I have about what happened today.  I am awed by the power of suspending assumptions and truly being able to think creatively about solutions. David is a visionary, and the go-to guy for developing the strategies that define forward thinking organizations.

Robin Christian, Executive Director

Children First for Oregon

Thank you for your passionate and incredible work on our global Microfinance Conference! You facilitated wonderfully and expertly! It was mission accomplished! You kept a disparate group of folks engaged and talking - no easy task when it comes to bankers! 

Steve Mitchell, CFO

Mercy Corps

©2010 David Sawyer - Context