Strategic Storyboarding

Test Your Strategic Business IQ

There's a myth that a lot of people have and you've probably heard: Anyone can be in business. In fact, you may have this false idea yourself. Just this week, I ran into an old friend. "V" has a carpet cleaning business and is barely eeking by. He looked at me and in characteristic fashion declared, "I could do what you do. Anyone could!" In the past, I would have gotten pissed off. But I've learned. Now I just smiled and said, "Really? Go knock yourself out." You see, I've realized a lot of people don't have a clue about thinking strategically. They haven't the foggiest about innovating. And they don't understand how much persistence you really need. They just see the tip of the iceberg. The limo picking me up…my easygoing attitude…the smile on my face. Bottom line-- I'm happy! And I make it look so easy. It's like this. Professional athletes make it look so easy--you think--hey, I could do that. Sure you could. With training, coaching and non-stop dedication. No successful athlete turns training on and off. They focus constantly to achieve great performance. And you need to do the same. Doing business is not a 'grab-n-go' thing anyone can do. Your business is not a sprint. It's a marathon. You have to pace yourself, keep drinking water and working your vision. And for phenomenal results, you have to nourish yourself and your team. And you have to continually ask tough questions. Strategic business IQ is a living thing. Here's how to take a pulse on your strategic intelligence. Do a quick tally. Check if you've asked yourself these questions in the last 30 days: Why am I in business? What is my business vision for my business? What are my strategic milestones for 2008? How did I do in the first quarter? What will I do differently in the next quarter? How am I sharing all this with my team? Are you asking these questions? If you are asking all of them--great! Some of them…well, that's a good start. Or none? Then…there's plenty of room for improvement. The fastest way to increase your strategic business IQ is to storyboard your vision. Map out your mission. Use an interactive and visible process to identify milestones with your team…and track progress. You'll find storyboarding becomes an essential part of part of how you succeed in business. And, the best news is, with visual maps you'll be able to do the three most important things every leader wants to do: Simplify complex strategy Explain tactics and big picture Engage everyone on your team How can you strengthen your strategic business IQ? Ask tough questions. Storyboard your answers. Share the process.