Roadmaps and Revelations: Finding the Road to Business Success on Route 101

Praise for Roadmaps and Revelations

"Simply brilliant, and brilliant in its simplicity. I have read few books that convey so much in such a memorable manner. Roadmaps and Revelations will be a must–read for my leadership team as we look to improve our own strategic planning processes."
Jay Forbes, Senior EVP & President, EMEA, Ingram Micro (a Fortune 100 company)

"Strategy how–to meets the buddy road trip! Niven takes a novel and refreshing approach to what is often a dry topic enterprise strategy formation. Those new to strategic planning, as well as strategy professionals, will benefit from hitching a ride with this informative journey."
David Adelman, Vice President, Corporate Strategy, Edwards Lifesciences

"Once again Paul Niven hits right on target. Through his examination of strategic planning, he fills a gap many of us practitioners face when we embark on the process of developing our strategy, and he couldn′t have done it in a better way than with his fable. His story provides a very practical and comprehensive methodology for developing strategy while at the same time engendering a fundamental understanding of the meaning of strategy to its readers."
Salvador Ornelas, President and CEO, Crown Paradise Resorts, Mexico

Get on the road to dynamic business strategy!

Written in a fun and engaging manner by renowned performance management expert Paul Niven, the message of Roadmaps and Revelations: Finding the Road to Business Success on Route 101, A Business Fable is simple: Developing a business strategy doesn′t have to be a dreaded or complicated process. Realistic and relevant, this story shows you how to:

Tunnel through your assumptions Examine information in a new light Craft a statement that will vault your company to great success Have your strategy vetted by a crack team of trusted examiners Communicate, communicate, communicate spread the word about your strategy

Introduction vii

1 Emergency Meeting 1

2 The Challenge 3

3 Change of Plans 11

4 The Red Zone Is for Immediate Loading and Unloading Only 19

5 Who Is this Guy? 25

6 What Is Strategy, Anyway? 35

7 Ask a Silly Question 41

8 What You See Is Not Always What You Get 47

9 Getting to the Core 61

10 Think Fast 73

11 A Push in the Right Direction 77

12 One Night at the Vine View Manor 89

13 Pucker Up 95

14 Charged Up in Pismo Beach 109

15 You Know What Nietzsche Said about Groups 123

16 Two Thumbs Up 133

17 Sandy Resolutions 145

18 "KISSin" Cousins 155

19 Every Dog Has His Day 163

20 The Reunion 173

Roadmap Strategy Process and Model Summary 185

Roadmap Strategy Online 215

References 217

Paul R. Niven is a management consultant, author, and noted speaker on the subjects of strategy, performance management, and the Balanced Scorecard. As both a practitioner and consultant, he has developed successful performance management systems for organizations large and small around the globe. His clients include Fortune 500 companies, public sector agencies from all levels, and nonprofit organizations. Paul′s previous books include: Balanced Scorecard Step by Step (translated in over 15 languages), Balanced Scorecard Step by Step for Government and Nonprofit Agencies, and Balanced Scorecard Diagnostics. He may be reached through his Web site at www.senalosa.com.