At SBG Advisory our recent work has required us to delve into some interesting areas; for private clients, government and defence forces. A recurring theme has been a desire to examine fundamental steps organisations should take in order to proceed down a developmental path from ‘here’ to ‘there’. The language adopted by each of these three client groups may differ, but the principles are the same. Private client terminology; strategy, planning and implementation. Government terminology; policy, thinking and doing. Defence force terminology; strategic, operational and tactical. Notice the similarities? A company’s strategy is its action plan for outperforming its competitors, building the brand and achieving superior profitability. Crafting strategy or policy involves conversion of the vision and mission into objectives, both realistic and stretch, executing the strategy and undertaking evaluation of performance along the way. Forces of change (internal and external) will impact organisations as they action their strategy and many aspects of a strategy plan will require review and ‘altered strategic thinking’ (Cravens, Piercy & Bauldauf 2009, Journal of Marketing Management, vol 25, iss 1/2, p 33). Recognising market forces, thinking differently, adapting the business, delivering results. From here to there!