What’s Missing from Your Strategy? Start Here.

The right strategy is the jump-off for your year. It’s the center point that defines what you build and how you execute. Yet, too often, leaders get bogged down by flashy tools and buzzwords, losing sight of what really matters. Before you get caught in the weeds, let’s take a step back and ask: What’s your strategy’s foundation, and is it setting you up for success? 

Self-Discovery as the First Step

Your strategy starts with clarity. What do you want to achieve? Before diving into plans and actions, take a moment to look inward. What do you really want to achieve? What patterns or habits have been holding you back? Self-discovery is a critical, often overlooked, starting point. Make it a quest to uncover not only what’s missing but also what’s possible. 

Listening is equally powerful. Are you tuned into what your team is saying? How about the dynamics they exhibit or the signals your market is sending? Truly listening—not just hearing—creates clarity and informs better decisions. By focusing on what’s being communicated (and what’s not), you can uncover the opportunities hidden in plain sight. 

Lessons from Experience: A Case Study in Realignment 

One of our clients, a founder eager to scale her business, faced a critical turning point. She was fired up with ideas, driven by the excitement of expanding her impact, reducing cost, and increasing bottom line. But her team structure wasn’t working—mismatched hires, blurred roles, and stalled momentum left her feeling overwhelmed and unsure of the path forward. 

Through our work together, we helped her reassess her strategy and uncover the root issues. She made the bold decision to downsize and redefine her team. This wasn’t just about cutting back—it was about re-aligning her organization to reflect the evolving business model. By redefining key roles and prioritizing alignment with her core objectives, she created space to focus on what mattered most. 

This shift wasn’t easy, but it was transformative. By streamlining her team, reinvesting in high-priority initiatives, and rebuilding trust, she laid the groundwork for growth. Her business gained clarity, momentum, and renewed energy, all built on a foundation of strategic alignment. 

Positioning for Elevation 

Building a strategy that works means making your goals align with what you uniquely bring to the table. Start with a strengths audit: What qualities set you or your team apart? Aligning responsibilities with these strengths maximizes impact and efficiency. 

Equally important is alignment with values. Revisit your mission and vision. Are your actions and objectives grounded in what truly matters to you? Values-driven strategies ensure that your work remains purposeful and authentic, even as circumstances change. 

Staying agile is another critical component. Strategy isn’t static; it evolves. Be prepared to adjust your plans without losing sight of your bigger picture. Growth often requires adaptation, not just execution. And when it comes to decision-making, intentionality is key. Use a framework to weigh your options—considering their alignment with your goals, the effort required, and the potential impact. Good decisions are deliberate and well-considered, setting you up for success rather than scrambling for solutions. 

Finally, prepare for the unexpected. Designing backup plans ensures resilience in the face of uncertainty. When your strategy accounts for potential challenges, you’re not just reacting—you’re ready. 

So, what’s missing from your strategy? Start with what matters most and build outward. Reflect on your unique strengths, align your actions with your values, and embrace the flexibility needed to navigate. Take a bold step this week: Define your strategy’s center point and make it your foundation for elevation.  

Author Bio: Ricka’ Berry, MBA, is a strategic leader with over 20 years of experience in business and social impact. As the Founder of genius grace, she combines innovative strategies with a people-first approach to help leaders and teams thrive. With expertise in operational excellence and leadership coaching, Ricka’ is dedicated to empowering individuals to “Lead Smart + Live Well.”