In the process of strategy development, it is critical that all team members have a shared understanding of the terms used. Misunderstanding key concepts can lead to confusion, hinder communication, and reduce work efficiency. Therefore, establishing a unified conceptual framework and resolving terminological conflicts are essential parts of successful strategy development.

1. Why is an introductory session needed to align methodology?

An introductory session before starting strategy work helps synchronize team members, reduce misunderstandings, and speed up the process. Here’s why it’s important:

• Participant synchronizationAll team members start working within the same context, which reduces the number of misunderstandings.
• Saving timeIf terminological disagreements are resolved at the start, the team will move more quickly to the core of the strategic work.
• Common understanding of goalsEach participant understands exactly what is expected from the team during the strategy development process.

2. Key concepts: what to include in a mini glossary?

A mini glossary is a tool that records key concepts and their definitions. It helps eliminate terminological conflicts and keeps the focus on the main tasks. The glossary should include all terms that have caused disagreements. For example, during a strategic session in one company, the word "client" was interpreted differently: for the sales department, it meant the end consumer, while for logistics, it referred to the distributor. An introductory session helped align the term, preventing further disputes.

Advice: Continuously update the glossary and ensure it is accessible to all team members.

3. How to avoid terminological conflicts within a team?

Terminological conflicts often arise due to participants’ different experiences, specializations, or work in various departments of the company. To avoid such situations, follow these recommendations:

• Term alignment at the startThe entire team must understand exactly what is meant by each term.
• Discussion of disagreementsIf disagreements arise, it is important to discuss them and reach a consensus.
• Using examplesPractical cases help better understand abstract concepts.

Example from practice: During one session, the company’s managers debated what should be considered a "strength" of the business. For the sales department, it was market reputation, while for production, it was low product cost. After discussion, they agreed that both aspects should be considered in the strategy context, but with different priorities.

4. Tips for successfully creating a unified conceptual framework:

1. Hold introductory sessionsThe time spent on them will pay off through more productive work.
2. Create mini glossariesDocumented terms help avoid disputes and misunderstandings.
3. Regularly update definitionsAs work on the strategy progresses, new terms may emerge that also need to be aligned.

Resolving terminological conflicts is a key step that lays the foundation for productive strategy work. Clear definitions and a shared understanding of goals help the team focus on what matters most and move toward success faster.