Removing Bias From Your Strategy

While this article is geared towards corporate strategy, many of the concepts can be applied to product strategy, test strategy, etc.

http://www.mckinseyquarterly.com/The_case_for_behavioral_strategy_2551 (requires free registration)

Here are some of the tips provided.
- The process of developing the strategy is one of the largest contributors to success
- Change your 'angle of vision' to see the issue from different perspectives. For example, Apple is famous for fully developing multiple ideas for the same feature to come up with a single implementation that fully implements the new feature.
- In most organizations, simply expressing high confidence in a plan is enough to get it approved. However, that does not result in success. Approval should be based on a clear recognition of the uncertainty involved.
- Shake things up, such as setting 'stretch goals' that are not possible given the current ways of doing things. This can spark innovation and efficiencies.
- Call out 'Silo thinking'. If departments hold onto their own departmental interests at the expense of company interests, call it out.
- Allow for 'Safe Debate'. Group-think can elimnate dissent, but sometimes dissent is needed. The key is to be able to do it without personalizing it.

There are more interesting topics on this site. Look around and enjoy.