Scott Describes the Future of S Strategy

trategic planning that drags the assumptions of today and drops them into a view for the future is probably lethal to an effective strategy. So says Marquis Scott, assistant head of school, in his article, “All Systems Go,” published in the winter 2023 issue of Independent School magazine.

The faults in this “drag and drop” approach have been laid bare by the past two years, Scott writes.

“[I]t is difficult to prepare for the unexpected and easy to feel enticed by the idea of the strategy that worked before – why would it not work again, why would we not take the same approach? But the context for those reasons will be different tomorrow than it is today.”

Scott adds that his doctoral research, combined with his observation of inspirational leadership, have underscored for him the value of creativity, adaptability, and systems thinking, which allows complex systems to be understood by learning how their components are interrelated and could contribute to or affect a possible outcome.

“Uncertainty and unpredictability seem to be the only constants,” he writes. “Instead of remaining faithful to conventional strategic planning methods in this rapidly changing and interconnected world, reframing strategic planning through a systems-thinking approach ensures that schools systematically, deliberatively, and creatively prepare for the future.”

Independent School is an award-winning quarterly magazine published by the National Association of Independent Schools for more than 75 years. It provides thought leadership for education leaders, administrators, and practitioners on topics that range from operations and administration to teaching and learning to student wellness to governance, and more. n

“All Systems Go,” written by Marquis Scott, assistant head of school, anchored the winter 2023 issue of Independent School magazine and its “Future of Strategy” theme. You can read it by scanning the QR code below.