“‘Cause I’m as free as a bird nowAnd this bird you cannot change!”
– L.S., 1973
Ever been attacked by a falcon?
They are magnificent hunters; fast, powerful, sleek…
And oftentimes quite hungry.
I didn’t learn that from a book, unfortunately.
I was out for a run, taking a break from a massive client proposal.
Like my strategy at the time, I wasn’t fully focused, bouncing between lessons
learned, competitive insights, and decisions I needed to make tomorrow.
Yesterday and tomorrow.
Then—WHAM!
[Think 1963 Fantastic Four kind of WHAM]
A pair of sharp talons slammed into my right shoulder.
Apparently, a falcon mistook the bright orange tab on my pack*
for something edible.
Thankfully, it realized neither I nor my gear were on the menu
and flew off into the trees… probably disappointed.
[Or whatever the falcon equivalent of disappointment looks like.]
I paused, checked my pack, checked my shoulder, and
Finding I was still attached to both, started running again.
But I couldn’t shake the thought that the falcon, however misguided,
Had just reminded me where I was in that moment.
On a trail, your first concerns are what’s in front and behind:
tree roots, rocks, and snakes – ahead
bikers, unleashed dogs, and storms – behind.
[Maybe I need a safer trail.]
The same goes for Strategy.
We’re trained to be vigilant for what’s in front:
market shifts, competitors, new technologies,
And never forget what’s behind:
wins, losses, lessons learned, and trust.
But if we forget
to pay attention to the present,
WHAM
Something unexpected hits us from above.
[And I’m never gonna dance again]
I sometimes forget, but I try not to underestimate the importance of now.
Strategy is a composite:
what I’ve learned from where I’ve been,
how I’m planning for what’s ahead,
and how well-prepared I am in this moment.
I see those last-minute surprises for what they are,
Reminders of the present moment, where I am.
Then I adjust my hat, check my shoes, and keep running.
*And no, I
don’t wear that pack anymore.
