Conspiracy theories & strategy
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On strategy & strategists
In the lead up to our Strategists Anonymous meet-up I keep coming back to the same conflict of thought: are strategists in the business of persuasion or facts? Is all strategy opinion? Or truths?
Conspiracy theories fascinate me in particular because they are extreme versions of belief and values. Feelings over facts. Or facts-that-suit-me over facts from the enemy. It's easy to laugh at flat earthers, climate change deniers and contentious to be an anti-vaxxer - but how many of us believe mobile phones cause cancer if they stay under our pillow?
There are lots of facts out there and as strategists - what insights are we seeking? Are we scientists or believers?
Let's have a look. Also, some great reading links below.
WHAT TO LEARN: Frameworks are tools for communicating thought, not testing it
Above you'll see a very shorthand way to reduce your long, prose-ridden insight into a simple 'set-up' statement. Like all frameworks it doesn't mean fill it out and it works. I have a love/hate relationship with frameworks, because they are great to learn, but better to unlearn. Treat them as tools for writing, visualisations and storytelling. Frameworks are not strategy - there is no validity, or soundness.
There are always more frameworks. his gem is one of a huge PDF/book from Alex Morris' Strategy & Planning Scrap Book (HT Katie Chatfield).
WHAT TO READ: The Irrational Ape
"Scientists warn that the plural of anecdote is not data."
How many strategists set out to prove their own hunch? Cherry-pick the data? It doesn't mean you're wrong, or unsound, just your reasoning might be invalid. Does that even matter? The Irrational Ape looks at conspiracy theories, superstitions and even things like the Vitamin C nonsense that we all believe and unpacks exactly why we believe what we believe.
It also will help any strategist understand their own flaws, but also why the story - feelings over facts - is the human mechanism to understand and survive. That's critical when looking at insights - there are so many truths, which mightn't be facts - just human truths. Discovering the best one for the task at hand is a skill you need to practice, but even more so - then need to convince everyone around you that your opinion is correct.
Remember: the story is a shortcut to the strategy.
WHAT TO LISTEN TO: Infinite Monkey Cage
I came across The Irrational Ape while listening to one of my favourite science podcasts hosted by everyone's nerd-crush Brian Cox. 30 minute episodes with expert speakers and comedians who break down the biggest subjects in science. Recommended episodes: Conspiracy Theories, Dinosaurs, How We Measure The Universe.
WHAT TO DO: How to start your own business / Heartbreaker Hotel
Victoria Jones of the Upsiders is running a practical workshop (Sydney, Australia) this Wednesday on how to set-up and scale your own business. Vic was a big inspiration for me and I was lucky enough to work with her setting up her podcast.
Every trip to Melbourne starts and finishes at the Heartbreaker Hotel in the CBD. Amazing craft beer selection, great staff and pizza to kill for. Also plays as much Metallica as you can handle.
LINKS I LOVE
Anxiety Maketh the Planner - Richard Huntington
You Don't Need a Hashtag - Zac Martin
Sensemaking is retrospective - Praveen Vaidyanathan
Any feedback, questions or comments – please send them through. If there’s a particular framework for creativity or strategy topic you’d like me to go into, let me know.
Jye