Is Strategy Important?
Poking through the Forrester archives recently, I came across a document entitled, “Want to Nurture Next Generation Marketing Skills?” by Christine Spivey Overby. As part of their research, 104 marketing executives were interviewed on new shifts required for marketers, specifically, calling for team competencies that emphasize engaging consumers in dialogue and attracting them with relevant messages. As part of the results from the interviews, strategic thinking ranked highest on the list of new skills required by marketers. Is this a whole-brain approach that is necessary to properly match new media and social media services with the right products? Would the whole-brain individual have the ability to use these traits seamlessly?
Left Brain
|
Right Brain
|
| Logical | Random |
| Sequential | Intuitive |
| Rational | Holistic |
| Analytical | Synthesizing |
| Obejctive | Subjective |
| Looks at parts | Looks at whole |
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Douglas! Happy New Year. This is a great post. It hits right on the topic we were having Friday in the Intel cafeteria, not far from where you and I chatted a few months ago. Please pardon the ramble:
We are literally communicating in new ways that require an interesting combination of right and left brain skills. From which ever side you find your strength, it seems important to let fly your will and then do your best to pull in traits you’re neglecting.
A friend said that sometimes it’s important to focus on the “how” rather than the “what” in life. We have endless stories, facts, events, conversations going on (growing exponentially) so it seems a good strategy to sharpen our approach to things: be open minded, engage with others, emphasize passion and personal interests/skills, be willing to make mistakes, try new things and share what you’re learning…
It takes having a strategic, open approach with the willingness to change quickly, yet push for meaningful results based on values and principals. Sounds like a mix of old school & new school, classical philosophy well rounded with progressive, inclusive thinking. To me, it’s just a new turn in human survival. We’re forced to act and think faster than ever. We don’t have so much time to analyze — heck, we’re already analyzing things every second using our experience-fed, good instincts (Blink by Malcolm Gladwell).
If a boss tells you “there better be no slip ups,” that doesn’t mean hold your ground, put up roadblocks and become a policeman. To me that means go out, do something wonderful and inspire people to do the right things. There will always be slip ups, but quick, thoughtful action can help lower the degree of potential damage. And from this approach others are more likely to accept any humble correction you need to make.
This is whole brained thinking with a heart, where you do what’s best for building better relationships that deepen communication.
Now, if only I could get my left-brain powered friends to help me show how this approach really helps a company’s bottom line!