THINK LIKE A STRATEGIST

‎When you go to the river to catch a fish with a hook, the fish sees the worm, but the strategist focuses on the hook. The fish may celebrate its victory after catching the worm, but the fisherman smiles. It is a hook victory, not a worm victory.

‎‎A strategist does not celebrate simply because he receives the news that his dog has caught a lion. He waits. He goes there and checks for himself.

‎‎Leaders are divided into three categories: fieldwork leaders, strategizing leaders, and decision-makers. You are yet to fully understand leadership if you have never experienced working with decision-makers. They do not see things the way other leaders or followers see them. The highest level of strategic thinking often takes place there.

‎‎First, they test the waters. They watch the reactions of the poor. They identify the strong and the weak. They understand that poor people have one major weakness: they can make a lot of noise, but they often lack the financial power to implement their ideas strategically.

‎‎So, they wait patiently. Then, they use small amounts of money to influence the movement through the weak ones. Meanwhile, the strong but poor leaders keep shouting and shouting, but the feedback gradually begins to drop.

‎‎Eventually, they start fighting among themselves. The predators smile and celebrate their hook victory.

‎‎Before you comment on anything, first find the hook.

‎‎For instance, let me use the Osun State governor’s victory in Nigeria as an example. The worm focus: the governor won.‎ The hook question: What if the victory was designed to give the decision-makers and the main system a good pre-election name?

‎‎Can you see the possible hook? ‎But why? You may ask. Think like a strategist, and you may find the answer. Explore the question first before you celebrate.

‎‎Pusonnam Yiri

‎Leadership Adviser/Strategist