Setting Up Your Strategy Office
Setting Up Your Strategy Office for Success
As a new Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), your first 90 days are critical. This period sets the foundation for your success and defines the role your strategy office will play within your organization. Whether you’re leading strategic initiatives for the first time or transitioning into the role from another leadership position, navigating these first few months can be overwhelming.
To help new CSOs succeed, Outthinker Networks has developed a comprehensive guide based on insights from experienced CSOs who have successfully set up their strategy offices. This guide will give you the tools you need to make an immediate impact and avoid common pitfalls.
What Does a Chief Strategy Officer Do?
The role of a CSO can vary greatly depending on the organization. As the head of strategy, you’re responsible for driving strategic direction, gaining buy-in from key stakeholders, and ensuring that your strategy is executed effectively across the business.
Unlike other functions like finance or marketing, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to setting up a strategy office. That’s why it’s essential to understand the specific needs of your company and tailor your strategy office accordingly.
Key Insights from the Guide:
Setting Up Your Strategy Office: The guide walks you through how to structure your strategy office, whether you’re building a small, agile team or managing a large, multifunctional group.
Managing Expectations: Learn how to align the goals of the strategy office with the expectations of the CEO, board of directors, and executive team.
Prioritizing and Showing Early Wins: It’s important to secure early victories in your first 90 days as a CSO. These early wins build credibility and trust across the organization.
Building Strategic Partnerships: CSOs need to forge relationships with key stakeholders, from executive leadership to department heads, in order to influence and execute the company’s strategy.
Navigating Challenges: Many new CSOs feel overwhelmed by the conflicting demands placed on them. Our guide addresses common challenges and offers solutions to help you prioritize and stay focused.
Why the First 90 Days Matter
As a new CSO, your initial months in the role are crucial for establishing credibility and setting the tone for your strategy office. In the early stages, you’ll need to determine the key “jobs to be done” for your office, set clear expectations, and build relationships across the organization. Getting this right will help you avoid the common pitfalls of the CSO role and position you for long-term success.
Download the Guide
For a deeper dive into what makes a successful strategy office, download our guide: “The First 90 Days in a Chief Strategy Officer Role.” It offers actionable advice and insights from top CSOs who have been in your shoes and successfully built high-impact strategy offices.