APL’s Systems Approach to Becoming a Strategy-Driven Organization

Abstract

The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) developed an integrated systems approach to strategy beginning in 2011. The approach has resulted in a vision and strategy framework that is built for the long term and has proven itself in execution during a turbulent decade marked by changing national security priorities, economic uncertainty, and transformative technological advances in areas such as artificial intelligence, hypersonics, and cyber. This article describes how articulating a bold vision and strategy, coupled with an innovative and lasting implementation plan, enabled APL to achieve a new level of national impact by becoming truly and overtly strategy driven. It did so by introducing, in stages, a system composed of six strategic planning methods that are often implemented separately or partially: a classic vision framework; a one-page strategy articulation adapted from industry; a continuous decision-making process; a strict alignment of resources to strategic priorities; regular accountability reviews; and a genuine engagement of the entire staff in fostering innovation aligned with the vision and strategy. The narrative includes expository descriptions of each system element and hard-won lessons learned during implementation. This can give the practitioner confidence that vision and strategy need not end up sitting on the shelf, but rather can be successfully applied to drive the organization forward through turbulent times.