1. Situation:

The head of a strategy department in a leading automotive company, aimed to recalibrate the role of the strategy function. The role of the existing strategy department was mainly limited to strategy formulation and serving as an agile task force for the CEO on pressing high-caliber strategic projects such as the creation of strategic partnerships. The client recognized the untapped value potential of the department and was seeking options to enhance the mandate of the strategy department for higher impact across the company.

2. Approach:

The first step was a thorough assessment of the department’s current mandate and capabilities across various domains of a typical strategy function.  Building on this, the mandate was redefined, transitioning the department into a strategic powerhouse. Integral to this shift was the identification of untapped value creation areas for the central strategy function that were not yet addressed by strategy roles in business units or other functions.

We then carefully reconfigured the strategic planning process to be more robust, foresight-driven and integrative across business units and functions. The strategy department was positioned to serve as the key orchestrator of the strategic planning process within the company. Key planning phases and milestones throughout a typical year were created that integrated long-term and short-term planning horizons.

To guarantee the strategy department’s newfound direction was effectively championed, we provided intensive coaching to the head of strategy. This empowerment equipped them to articulate a compelling case for change ensuring the department’s revamped role was widely endorsed and supported throughout the company by C-suite stakeholders.

3. Impact:

The newly envisioned strategy department was created as a key orchestrator of the strategic planning cycle within the company. The case for change served as a crucial reference point for discussions with C-suite stakeholders and created buy-in for the new mandate.

In addition, we enhanced the management of strategic initiatives. Beyond meticulous tracking, the ability to infuse strategic foresight into the yearly strategic planning process, created a more impactful strategy function.