The script for organisational leaders says we should be focused on strategy, the big picture, the long term. And that’s true.
Yet it ignores the chaotic, volatile world we inhabit, the one that sees headwinds and crosswinds colliding at every turn. Stable conditions are almost impossible to come by.
So, if everything’s changing, seemingly in every moment should we be abandoning the long term in favour of concentrating on today and tomorrow? Tempting as this may be we know it is not the answer.
True, an immediate term focus will put out today’s fires but it won’t secure the future for our organisation and people. And it certainly won’t ensure we make a continuing contribution to creating the better world for all that we need for future generations.
The reality is that we need to need to keep our attention on the long term in our purpose and vision whilst sharing a compelling short term vision that feels aligned with the constantly challenging conditions we are facing and inspires our people to keep pushing through.