Having your company's vision running through everything you do is like having a guiding star. It keeps everyone on track and excited about the journey. When everyone knows the big picture and how their little piece fits in, they feel more connected and motivated. It also helps you make better decisions. Instead of just doing what’s easy or quick, you can ask yourself, "Does this move us closer to our vision?" This way, you avoid getting sidetracked by quick wins and stay focused on what really matters. Plus, it helps you build a stronger brand and a team that's passionate about your mission.

What is a strategy ladder?

The Strategy Ladder is a powerful tool that can help you align your daily actions with your long-term vision. This tiered framework allows you to see how everything you do as a business contributes to your mission and vision. Whether you work as a team or individually, building a Strategy Ladder can help you gain a deeper understanding of your vision and mission.

When building a Strategy Ladder, it's important to involve your team to see what similarities and differences exist in their understanding of the vision and mission. This can be a valuable exercise to ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals. Additionally, the Strategy Ladder can help you identify any gaps in your strategy and make necessary adjustments.

Why use one?

One of the most significant benefits of the Strategy Ladder is its ability to help you prioritise tasks and projects. By aligning your daily actions with your long-term goals, you can ensure that you're spending your time and resources on the most important activities. This can help you avoid getting bogged down in less critical tasks and keep you focused on what truly matters.

Furthermore, the Strategy Ladder can be used to assess the alignment of new opportunities with your long-term strategy. It's easy to get excited about new projects or partnerships, but it's important to evaluate whether they align with your vision and mission. By using the Strategy Ladder, you can make more informed decisions about which opportunities to pursue and which to decline.

The bottom rungs: your long-term vision

The top two rungs of the ladder are "Mission" and "Vision." Your mission is your reason for being. It's the purpose that drives you. The question to ask yourself is: "What is my purpose?"

Your vision is your ultimate goal. It's the picture of your successful future. The question to ponder here is: "What is my vision for the future?" We start with these and work upwards towards daily tasks so that everything you do flows into the wider vision.

The middle rungs: your short-term focus

Next, we have "Goals." These are the specific targets you want to achieve within a certain timeframe. They're the milestones you're working towards. The question to ponder here is: "What are the goals I'm working towards?"

Above goals are "Values." These are the principles and beliefs that guide your actions. They're the core of who you are and what you stand for. The question here is: "What are the values that guide my actions?"

The top rungs: your daily actions

At the bottom of the ladder, you have "Projects" and "Initiatives." These are the specific tasks or projects you're working on right now. They might be deadlines, meetings, or smaller goals that contribute to your overall objectives. The question to ask yourself here is: "What specific daily actions do I need to take to achieve my goals?"

Above these are "Strategies." These are the methods or approaches you're using to achieve your goals. They're the tactics and plans you've put in place to move you forward. Here, the question becomes: "What are the strategies I'm using to achieve these goals?"

The power of alignment

The beauty of the Strategy Ladder is that it helps you align your daily actions with your long-term vision. By starting with the top and working through details until the bottom, you can ensure that everything you do contributes to your ultimate goal.

Begin by defining your vision and mission – what do you want to achieve in the long run? Why do you want to achieve it? Once you have your vision and mission, you can start to define your goals and values. What are the specific targets you want to achieve? What principles guide your actions?

Finally, you can focus on your strategies and actions. What methods will you use to achieve your goals? What specific tasks need to be done? Remember, the Strategy Ladder is a living document. As you progress, you may need to adjust your goals, strategies, or even your vision. The key is to keep it updated and aligned with your evolving priorities.

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