Francis Wade | Tomorrow’s local leaders must think like scientists

Five years from now, the most effective local organisations won’t be the ones with the most detailed plans. They’ll be the ones that treat strategy like a testable hypothesis. To explain why, here’s an example – and some theory – you and your C-suite can use today. Many leaders make the mistake of equating strategy with comprehensive plans. But the truth is planning is a waste of time if there isn’t a strategic hypothesis at its core. It’s known as a ‘theory of change’ in government circles.