Meta strategy

An extremely frequently used word in business is "strategy". And as frequently that word is used just as rare is it to hear someone discuss meta strategy, to the point that I'd like to define the term itself. A meta strategy can be thought of as a strategy for choosing strategy, or in other words thinking about strategies in general rather than a specific strategy itself.

Why is reasoning about strategies important?

Because conscious thought allows for discussion and sharing which in turn is helpful for developing and improving. When exploring and widening your concept about strategies you can be less specific and engage experts in the topic without even discussing your specific business or goals that you intend to pursue. The greatest strategic thinkers I've met have been learning from peers and been inspired from different philosophies and environments.

Thinking about possible strategies in a setting where there is no requirement to reach a specific goal eases creative thinking. The findings from such thinking can then be readily available when you are in need of a new strategy. Having less focus on a specific goal can help creating a less biased internal view on how different strategies have different strengths and weaknesses and how and when to apply them.

Feedback

As always feedback is essential, in strategic choices feedback tend to massive and when unsuccessful often obvious. There are many elements that work together in a complex business environment and eventually leads to certain outcomes, even so it makes sense to assess your strategy both as you execute it and afterwards. Ideally your choice of strategy involves evaluation of efficacy so that you can adjust or alter your strategy if you are not getting closer goal. With the benefit of hindsight much can be learned and as different strategies are not equally fit for all contexts it can be a learning if you conclude to have been overly aggressive in depending on incorrect assumptions.

Closing thoughts

Meta strategies allows for faster and better decisions when your context and goals change. By growing your toolbox of known and practiced strategies together with context and outcomes you will be a better decision maker. As a product owner you will likely make one or two strategic decisions per year, sometimes more. Make sure to take the time needed to get it right because they are often not time sensitive, I can only recall two strategic decisions that I needed to take in less than a minute. If you are uncertain if your decision is strategic or not, or if your chosen strategy is viable discuss it or map it against your previous meta strategy work.