Thread by @swardley

dX: How do you deal with strategy?
Me: First, we need to answer the Where question, which depends a lot on the what and why.
dX: And?
Me: Ok, some very simple steps ...

Step 1: Visualise your environment. That means getting people to discuss, collaborate & challenge in order to create a "good enough" map of your environment. Should be a couple of hours.
Step 2: Look at what's changing which is competitor moves, your moves & economic patterns.

Step 3: Using the map, determine where you could invest/focus on. You're not making a decision yet, you just want the options. By now, you could have spent four hours on the exercise.
Step 4: Decide where you should invest i.e. look at the options using why & what

dX: Why and what?
Me: Why would we do this? What is it going to cost? What benefits will it bring?
dX: That's two whats - W2
Me: And? Sure, go create a catchy slogan - WW2 - ignore the connection to past horrors, produce a nice graphic, sell a couple of books. Now, next step ...

X : And these steps are what make strategy?
Me: No, we're just getting to the point of knowing the areas to focus. Once you've done that then ...
Step 5: Determine how you can change the environment to increase your likelihood of success.
Step 6: Taken an action.
Step 7: Repeat

dX: How do I remember that?
Me: Hmmm ... Step 1&2 are about looking, Observing. Step 3 is how you Orientate around a problem. Step 4&5 is about Deciding. Step 6 is Action.

Let's call it ... OODA

dX: That's strategy?
Me: I called it the strategy cycle for a reason. 99% of the time, what I use is:-
1) the strategy cycle
2) maps
3) a list of climate, doctrine and gameplay patterns
Combined with collaboration and challenge with others.

dX: What do others use?
Me: Doesn't bother me. I focus on what I find useful.
dX: But mapping is hard.
Me: Thinking is hard. If it's too hard, just ask ChatGPT to create you a strategy.
dX: Does that work?
Me: Sure, it's more useful than most strategies I've seen.