Strategy Blink Test

To avoid envisioning a bright but unrealistic future, ask hard questions during strategy formulation.

It is easy to fall into the trap of developing strategies based on what we wish or hope will happen, ignoring the present circumstances or conditions.  One method to bring a dose of reality into the process is to ask a series of questions during the strategy formulation process to prevent moving down unrealistic paths.  After the strategic plan is finalized, ask an objective outsider who was not involved in the process to ask the same questions.