Sparks Profile

Great Strategy: The 10 SPARKS Principles

1. MOTIVATION
Forward change is leveraged by a definable problem, threat, or ambition. Virtually nothing gets done in the world because “we should.” Action takes place because of discomfort. Welcome it.

2. FOCUS
What makes firms attractive is a strong, clear identity. Power comes from point of view, conviction, and mastery in a focused area of endeavor. It is what makes great leaders and great organizations so memorable.

3. BOLDNESS
Great organizations have bold vision and purpose. The number one characteristic of winning teams is a sense of destiny. This energizes and unifies effort, advancing groups beyond the realm of politics to real performance.

4. SCARCITY
Higher fees go to those with rare expertise. The law of supply and demand dictates that your pricing position improves with distinctive expertise, including project-type, service-type, and process-type specialties.

5. PARTICIPATION
Collaboration and participation yield higher commitment. Only when people have been involved in some way can they commit energy and resources to a cause.

6. MENTAL MODEL
A cohesive growth model promotes the strengthening of expertise. Many firms sprinkle mixed messages over staff — it’s not uncommon to tell the same person “think out of the box” AND “increase your chargeability rate.” Both are good, but hard to do equally well. Strategies must hang together.

7. GROOVES
Simple structures “naturally” program implementation. A long, sequential list of tasks to be completed is actually a hindrance to change. By translating strategy into new roles and work patterns, we make doing the right things easy. For example, add new experts where needed, re-deploy people to better uses, and change the office look to reflect your goals.

8. CHAMPIONS
Leaders who champion the firm’s strategic plan get more results. Steam in the engine doesn’t happen by itself -- it must be stoked. Strategy is the core job of the firm’s top leadership, from development and refinement through committed cultivation.

9. GROWTH
Growth is essential. Most often we think of growth in terms of size. Yet vigorous growth can also occur in such areas as higher quality staff, more important projects, wider geographical coverage, and increased fees.

10. THINK TIME
Great strategy requires thought. Few great thoughts have been born while sitting at a desk, deadline at hand. Strategic perspective requires setting aside time for inspiration, dialogue, what-ifs, and debate.