This chart highlights what I have labeled as "the real value chain". All of the significant value within our lives initiates in the dream process. For example, where we are today originated itself in the dream process. We dreamed the following: how I am going to be different, or how I will improve myself, or what person will I select as a spouse or partner, or what business will I go into, or what career will I choose. In our chart above, Brain is always contemplating how he can take over the world.
After the dream happens, a vision will typically take place. Imagine that the dream is to be a successful business person. The vision might then be crystallized into, “I will be a partner in a CPA firm.” With our cartoon characters above, at the start of every episode, Brain tells Pinky the same thing - "Pinky, tonight we will try to takeover the world."
Once the dream and vision are established, the next step is to create a mission statement. The mission statement will help provide a practical guideline and inspiration for what is to be accomplished. Pinky and the Brain decide in this episode to create Christmas toys that will be used to hypnotize the world population. They plan how they can get the toys (through Santa's distribution channel!) to everyone.
The goals will outline the steps to accomplish the mission. In the chart, Pinky and the Brain are impersonating reindeer.
As the goals are being executed progress can be reviewed to determine if course corrections are necessary. If everything has gone according to plan, then it will be successful. In this episode, Brain has a change of heart based on Pinky's letter to Santa Claus and decides to change the plan from world domination to world peace.
Unfortunately, they were not successful to their original plan. However, every episode also ends with the reminder that tomorrow night they will try to take over the world again. It is a fantastic example of holding and reinforcing a vision.
Sometimes in business we make things waaaaaay toooo complex. The best learning tools are often the simplest.
So there you have it. Complex strategic modeling that cost large corporations hundreds of thousands of dollars outlined by two cartoon characters. Have at it Strategic Planners!!!
Copyright 2009 - Jim Lindell