In today's fast-paced business world, organizations are looking for innovative ways to develop and implement strategies that help them stay ahead of the competition. One such method that has recently gained popularity is the Strategy Jam. A Strategy Jam is a collaborative approach that brings together employees, stakeholders, and experts to generate new ideas, solve problems, and develop a comprehensive strategic plan.

The concept of the Strategy Jam has been around for a few years, but it has gained significant traction recently. A Strategy Jam can be conducted in various formats, including virtual or in-person, lasting from a few hours to a few days. The primary objective of the Strategy Jam is to bring together diverse perspectives and expertise to generate new ideas and solutions aligned with the organization's goals and objectives.

One example of a successful Strategy Jam is the one held by IBM in 2006. IBM organized a global Strategy Jam that brought together more than 150,000 employees, clients, and partners worldwide to brainstorm and develop new ideas for the company's future. The jam was conducted virtually and lasted for three days, during which participants used online tools to collaborate and generate ideas. The outcome of the Strategy Jam was impressive, with over 10,000 ideas generated, of which IBM implemented 60.

Another example of a successful Strategy Jam is the one held by the City of Edmonton, Canada, in 2017. The city organized a Strategy Jam to address transportation, housing, and community safety issues. The jam brought together more than 200 stakeholders, including community members, city staff, and subject matter experts, to collaborate and develop new ideas. The Strategy Jam was conducted over two days and resulted in several innovative ideas implemented by the city.

The Strategy Jam can be a practical approach for organizations developing a comprehensive and effective strategic plan. Here are some of the benefits of conducting a Strategy Jam:

1. Diverse Perspectives: The Strategy Jam brings together diverse perspectives and expertise from various stakeholders, including employees, customers, and subject matter experts. This diversity of perspectives can lead to more comprehensive and innovative ideas and solutions.

2. Fast-paced and Agile: The Strategy Jam is an agile approach allowing organisations to generate new ideas and solutions quickly. This approach is particularly useful for organizations that need to respond quickly to changing market conditions.

3. Collaborative: The Strategy Jam is a collaborative approach that encourages teamwork and engagement. This approach can help to build a sense of ownership and commitment among participants, leading to a greater likelihood of successful implementation.

4. Inclusive: The Strategy Jam is an inclusive approach that encourages participation from all stakeholders, regardless of their position or level of expertise. This approach can help to build a sense of shared purpose and collaboration among participants.

5. Cost-effective: The Strategy Jam is a cost-effective approach to strategy development, as it can be conducted using virtual tools and does not require expensive consultants or facilitators.

In conclusion, Strategy Jam is an innovative and practical approach to strategy development that can help organizations generate new ideas, solve problems, and develop a comprehensive strategic plan. The Strategy Jam brings diverse perspectives and expertise together, encourages collaboration, and is fast-paced and agile. Examples of successful Strategy Jams include those conducted by IBM and the City of Edmonton. To develop a comprehensive and effective strategic plan, consider conducting a Strategy Jam.

By Andrew Constable MBA, LSSBB

Keywords: Business Strategy, Innovation, Leadership