Strategy is the coherent set of deliberate choices through which your organization develops its business model—within ICR, structured around the nine elements of the Business Model Canvas (BMC)—to achieve its long-term ambition over the next three to five years.
Within ICR, the business model serves as the Integrating Architecture that connects ambition, continuity, strategy, execution and organisational development. Therefore, strategy does not focus on developing the organisation directly, but on the targeted development of one or more elements of the business model. As the business model evolves, so does the organisation.
While the Continuity Goals define the conditions required for the business model to operate sustainably, the Strategic Goals focus on strengthening, renewing and further developing the business model. Continuity therefore provides the foundation for successful strategy. Only when the conditions for creating, protecting, developing and delivering value are explicitly safeguarded can strategic initiatives be implemented successfully and deliver sustainable results.
Strategy is about making deliberate choices: Where do we focus our efforts? Where do we invest? Which opportunities do we choose to pursue? And—equally important—which opportunities do we deliberately choose not to pursue? Together, these choices create focus and provide clear direction for the development of the business model and, consequently, the development of the organisation.
Within ICR, strategy takes concrete shape by explicitly linking Strategic Goals to the relevant elements of the business model. This makes it clear which part of the business model is being developed for each strategic goal, why this development is necessary, and how it contributes to the long-term ambition of your organization.
It is essential that every part of the organisation, including Finance, Marketing & Sales, ICT, HR, Procurement and Core Operations, understands which strategic choices have been made, which elements of the business model are being developed as a result, and what contribution is expected from them.
The mission, core values and vision provide the foundation for these choices. They ensure that strategic choices are not made in isolation, but are logically aligned with the identity, ambition and desired development of your organization.
Strategy therefore provides direction for the development of the business model, creates focus across the organisation and helps your organization intentionally build tomorrow's results through the decisions made today.
Understanding individual business concepts is valuable. Connecting them and putting them into practice is what makes the difference. It all begins with clarity.
The ICR Organizational Operating System, brought to life through the ICR Growth & Success SaaS Platform, connects the Ultimate Stakeholders’ Ambition, business model, strategy, organizational design and daily execution into one coherent organizational system. It helps leaders and teams make direction, responsibilities and decision-making explicit, reduce dependence on specific individuals, and make progress, risks and opportunities for improvement visible.
Clarity. Confidence. Peace of Mind.
But why was ICR developed in the first place?
Explore practical resources, exchange insights and deepen your understanding of how the ICR Organizational Operating System can support the development of your organization.