In business, whether in the public or private sector, the first step is to understand the environment within which an organisation operates.

How might you do this?

  • Examine the public documents and reports on the organisation. What does it tell you about its strategic behaviour.
  • Look at the tools and techniques to help you frame that review, there are many, some are references within the Leadership Toolbox.
  • Examine the external factors impacting upon organisational success, Michael Porter’s work on ‘competitive advantage’ and the ‘value chain’ are two classic management tools to start the process.
  • Then look at the grid in Operational essentials that highlights a wider set of management tools