In the face of increased volatility and uncertainty, how are you and your top leadership team approaching strategy? Recently we saw an article about this by one of our previous guests, Tara Rethore, CEO of Strategy for Real. Using a sports team metaphor, she asked.  “Are you playing offense or defense with your company’s growth?”  Her point is that while it can be natural to play “defense” (protecting what you already have and minimizing risk), it’s important to balance this with playing “offense.” We invited her to return as a guest for a new conversation with us about balancing these two approaches to strategy.
We discuss the trend of some leadership teams that are over-relying upon playing defense, and how this imbalance can actually increase risk. Tara shares why what she calls  “strategic investing” is one of the hallmarks of playing offense, and how balancing offense with defense can enable a company to continue to grow while balancing risk. We dig deeper with Tara using an example of what strategic investing can look like, through her story of guiding one of her clients to create an internal  “brain trust.” We also discuss three immediately useful ideas for balancing strategic offense with defense for company growth.
Tara Rethore, CEO of Strategy for Real and co-author of the book, Charting the Course: CEO Tools to Align Strategy & Operations.  She brings fresh insights on how to stay grounded while navigating uncertainty and how to make bold moves that shape the future. Tara works with CEOs, boards, and executives to take strategy off the page and into action. Throughout her career, she has led strategy development and execution within global organizations and as a highly valued consultant. She’s known for discovering leadership and strategy lessons in everyday situations which then become relatable examples for her clients. Currently, Tara serves on several private and nonprofit boards. She is also a Marshall Goldsmith Certified / Stakeholder-Centered Coach.
Strategy is a journey that seldom goes as planned, unless you are flexible about thinking ahead | Tara Rethore
This week on Growth Igniters® Radio, we discuss:

* Why Tara believes that balancing strategic offense and defense is not only possible, but essential
* How “strategic investing” can mitigate risk while it also promotes growth
* Practical ideas on how to balance offensive and defensive strategies for your organization in turbulent times

Resources for This Episode

* Read more about Tara Rethore and connect with her on LinkedIn
* Find out more about Tara Rethore’s book, Charting the Course: CEO Tools to Align Strategy and Operations
* Special invitation: If you’re a CEO, C-Suite executive or Corporate Director of an established company, let us know about your experiences and questions on investing  in brain trusts for strategic growth. Contact us
* Visit PamHarperSpeaks.com to find out more about her new keynote “Break Orbit: Leading for Long-Term Growth in a Short-Term World”

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