In a world obsessed with speed and innovation, the true mark of a great strategist isn’t just about having ideas—it’s about validating them. Validation is the bridge between a good idea and a great decision. It’s the process of asking, “Does this make sense? Will it work? Is it worth pursuing?” And the answers don’t come from gut feelings or assumptions—they come from thorough research, deep understanding, and relentless curiosity.
What is Validation, Really?
Validation isn’t just a checkbox; it’s a mindset. It’s about testing ideas, directions, and strategies before committing resources. It’s about asking the hard questions:
- Who does this serve?
- What problem does it solve?
- How does it align with our goals?
- What are the risks, and how can we mitigate them?
A strategist’s role is to ensure that every decision is rooted in reality, not just ambition. Because without validation, even the most brilliant ideas can lead to wasted time, money, and effort.
The Tools of Validation
Validation isn’t a guessing game—it’s a science. It requires:
- Research: Digging into data, trends, and market insights to understand the landscape.
- Knowledge: Leveraging expertise to interpret findings and identify opportunities.
- Understanding: Listening to stakeholders, customers, and teams to grasp their needs and perspectives.
- Testing: Piloting ideas on a small scale to see how they perform in the real world.
This process isn’t just about avoiding failure—it’s about building confidence. When you validate, you don’t just prove an idea’s worth; you create a foundation for success.
Why Validation Matters More Than Ever
In today’s fast-paced world, the pressure to act quickly can be overwhelming. But speed without validation is a recipe for disaster. Think of it this way:
- A business that launches a product without validating customer needs risks failure.
- A leader who implements a strategy without validating its feasibility risks losing trust.
- A team that pursues a direction without validating its alignment with goals risks wasting resources.
Validation isn’t a delay—it’s an investment. It’s the difference between guessing and knowing, between hoping and succeeding.
The Strategist’s Role: Validator-in-Chief
At their core, strategists are validators. They don’t just create plans; they ensure those plans are grounded in reality. They:
- Evaluate organizational objectives and identify gaps.
- Generate new ideas for growth and test their viability.
- Design implementation flows that are both ambitious and achievable.
- Monitor progress and adjust strategies as needed.
Their work is a constant cycle of creation and validation, ensuring that every step forward is both intentional and impactful.
The Final Word: Validate, Then Execute
Great strategies don’t start with execution—they start with validation. It’s the process of asking, learning, and refining that separates good ideas from great outcomes. So, before you leap, take the time to validate. Because in the end, the best decisions aren’t just made—they’re proven.