A POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE WITHOUT THE CHOICE THAT FAVOURS SOME GOALS TO THE EXCLUSION OF OTHERS IS NOT STRATEGY BECAUSE IT LACKS EFFECTIVE FOCUS.
Underperformance is a result or symptom, not a cause or the real problem. The reasons or causes of Underperformance rears up as the true challenge that should concern a leader. A positive mental attitude alone cannot solve this problem.
A good strategy goes about it very efficiently on reasons why things have not worked in the past. A sound diagnosis of the cause of an unsatisfactory situation, the problem or the challenge, is part of what gives effectiveness to a strategy.
It is the transformational leader who boldly embraces the pain or difficulty of choice. He rises up to choose from among competing values and interests the best option to overcome challenges or problems and move his organisation forward. His strategy steeped in analysis and logic that embodies his proactive choices.
A positive mental attitude without the choice that is some goals to the exclusion of others is not a strategy because it lacks effective focus. When a leader is unable to decide on which interests and ideas to jettison aside, he often settles for a consensus choice that is amorphous and a poor excuse for a strategy.
Coherent strategy distinguishes itself from vague aspirations by choosing one path or idea and avoiding others. It secures resources to some desirable goals or ends while ignoring undesirable goals and actions. Ideas that direct resources, energy, and attention on some desirable objectives instead of others is part of the core of a transformational strategy.
Protecting the turf is often oriented towards the ego and stands in the way of change in an organisation. Transformational leaders must muster the sufficient will to do the work of choosing among different paths to the future and enforce hard choices. Distinct patterns of activities maintained for a long time often become entrenched in an organisation. Consequently, its supporting resources are viewed as entitlements.
