THRIVE THROUGH EXTERNAL UNCERTAINTY BY BUILDING INTERNAL PREDICTABILITY

Abstract

The author is a high-growth strategy specialist, CEO advisor, and a Lecturer at the London Business School. She discusses various angles of strategy and decision-making within organizations, and notes that “the future is uncertain because it is nothing more than a series of events that may or may not occur.” Areas discussed and outlined, in her words, are: Context: I know what we are trying to achieve and why it matters; Agility: I know where decisions take place; Reliability: I can rely on others to do what they say they will do; and Execution: When I adapt, it is recognized and rewarded. She notes that “a good commitment has five characteristics that make up the initialism: AEIOU.” The five are, in her words, active (actively negotiated in a conversation or discussion (not sent as a command in an email); explicit (absolute clarity on who is going to do what); intent-based (linked to the organization’s strategy and top priorities); open (communicated with transparency, not made in a side conversation); and understood (both parties agree to do it, sign up to the commitment, and understand what they are signing up to).