Sustaining Priorities

Given the remarkable volatility of the world in which we live and operate, there is much written about the importance of being strategically flexible, nimble, and agile to deal with rapidly shifting environments.  And, while I believe that it is critical to constantly be a cultural demographer, reading the tea leaves and navigating according to the constantly shifting environment, I am also learning that this sort of thinking can take organizations completely off track of long term direction and priorities.  We are consistently seeing schools, colleges, and universities that have constantly shifting priorities as a result of pandering to the direction of the wind, rather than trying to navigate to a future destination by using the wind in your sails.  Be mindful and careful about constantly changing strategic direction and your associated priorities given the environment.  Instead, consider how you can use your environment to help you accomplish your long term goals.