Ewan Mearns of Scottish Enterprise discussing strategies for change.
BiG event report
The March lunch-time event was a great success and considered the topic of Strategic issues. Ewan Mearns from Scottish Enterprise led us skilfully and thoughtfully through this issue and provided relevant insight and useful advice.
Ewan firstly highlighted that we live in a world of global change and shifts, where we need to adopt skills, strategies and tactics to embrace that change. With climate change and political changes at the forefront of the media, there are very few constants. Alterations in family, spiritual, lifestyle and behaviour patterns are frequent. Advancements in technology and engineering have provided opportunities, innovations as well as posing questions.
Often change, combined with complexity, can result in confusion. Ewan suggested various tools in order to overcome this confusion and navigate the times of change. He highlighted the importance of acknowledging how individuals respond to change and can be affected by it but also that businesses must be prepared to adapt in a changing environment. He explained how strategic planning should resemble a nimble yacht, able to set its sights on the distance but navigate around obstacles on the way. This is as opposed to the previously common view of strategic planning being like a tanker or battleship, setting its direction ahead with little room for manoeuvring on the way.
Ewan provided some useful tips for navigating change. He suggested that we take the long view – plan ahead and identify strengths and capabilities. It is also important to ensure that we remain flexible and open to change.
Ewan provided some notes of encouragement by highlighting that, even in the current climate, there will be opportunities and a silver lining to each cloud and that we should have faith and perseverance (Proverbs 22).
”Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has” Margaret Mead, Anthropologist
This encouraging and practical look at Strategic issues was closed with a question and answer session raising such diverse issues as the concentration on visual imagery in planning and demonstration, the difficulties of introducing a ‘S.W.O.T’ analysis outwith the business context in a church environment, the difference between strategy and tactics, and the opportunities that will exist and arise out of the present financial crisis.
We thank Ewan Mearns and everyone who joined us at this event. The PowerPoint presentation for this talk is available on request.