"Cognitive Frames" and Strategy Formulation

In academic business circles, there is much research and discussion around the concept of cognitive frames, or schema. This is a fancy way of referring to the fact that human cognition relies on the ability to sort, select, and screen in and out data and information (sensory input) in order to makes sense of the world. Too much data and we cannot move, we are frozen in time. Too little data and we seem to lose our bearings, our way.

We all do this everyday, virtually all the time, and as such, it is largely below our level of awareness. It is a good thing too, because if we were having to consciously manage this process, it would be quite overwhelming indeed.

However, there is potential power in paying attention to our cognitive framing apparatus at appropriate junctures. This is never more true as when we are dealing with strategy development.

It seems obvious that all effective strategy efforts need an goal or objective in mind and a good appreciation of the "current reality" that we find ourselves in. However, in organizational settings, most of us operate like there is one reality "out there" and we all kind of know and agree on what it is, and how it operates.

Research and experience tells us that nothing could be further from the truth. Versions of "reality" are usually as numerous as the number of folks in the room. Therefore, it is important in an organizational setting that attention be paid to building a robust picture of our shared or commonly assumed reality. If this is not done, the resulting strategy may look like a modern day Tower of Babel.

More about this process in future posts.