Strategy-First: The Value of Strategic Planning in the Battle for Market Leadership

Several years ago, I spent a day at the National WWI Museum and Memorial with 11 other Kansas City-based CEOs from my Vistage group. We were there to explore the science/art of planning and directing large military movements and operations. In short, we studied strategy.

Taking the opportunity to interpret the history of World War I and then applying that understanding to the context of informed decision making in businesses was an eye-opening experience. As the CEO for a healthcare marketing and branding firm that has always had an operating philosophy of strategy-first, I fundamentally understand that strategy differs from tactics. However, the term “strategy” has become ubiquitous among companies like ours, so much so that its meaning has been somewhat diluted by advertising hyperbole. I spent much of that day with my Vistage group reflecting on the value of strategy and why it should matter to clients seeking healthcare marketing and branding support……