Implement strategic foresight with elements of the US army’s operational art model

Abstract

Purpose

In a world of never-ending change, leaders must elevate above the battlefield and retain alignment with strategic purpose. Linking strategic foresight attitudes and activities aids leader to integrate the long and short-term. This article offers leaders elements of the US Army’s Operational Art model to easily apply when looking long and acting short-term.

Design/methodology/approach

Strategic foresight utilizes a scenario-based approach linked to the US Army’s Operational Art model to allow decision makers to both think more strategically and act upon the strategy day-to-day.

Findings

Strategic foresight creates both the shared vision throughout the organization and linkages to mental models that align actions. Linkage to the US Army’s Operational Art model creates an easy implementation framework.

Practical implications

For leaders overwhelmed with the day-to-day, linking strategic foresight attitudes and activities aids leader to integrate the long and short-term. The US Army Operational Art model provides an implementation method.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Citation

Reese, S.R. (2020), "Implement strategic foresight with elements of the US army’s operational art model", Strategic Direction, Vol. 36 No. 5, pp. 5-8. https://doi.org/10.1108/SD-10-2019-0212