“even over” strategy

Vision and strategy can become sparkly abstractions and distractions for managers. Organizations often lack shared working definitions of these terms. A carnival of consultant-speak ensues. 

Leaders I’ve trusted the most find a way to simplify strategy. They yank it back to a gritty present from some glittering, gauzy future. Those leaders tout a strategy that guides choices, specifically choices that require tradeoffs or sacrifices. I found, under their leadership, that the intentionally chosen tradeoff or sacrifice is evidence that you do, in fact, have a strategy. 

One very simple tool I’ve found helpful for getting at those tradeoffs is mentioned in Aaron Dignan’s Brave New work, where he cites the founders of Holacracy. The tool is an “even over” statement. It’s your strategy in one sentence.

“Even over” sits in the middle of the sentence. There is a good, desirable thing for your organization on either side of “even over”. The sentence should make basic sense and not get you put in jail if you flip its order.

Some examples:

• “Bold market leadership even over excellent customer satisfaction”

• “Values-aligned generalists even over current industry experts”

• “Innovation even over excellence”

-Eric