Learn from the best
Tunnel vision is inevitable. You have a strategy, you execute your tactics and try to get to the outcome. In the meantime, the world around you evolves. It is difficult to stay on top of everything that impacts you in significant ways.
So, having defined the target state, it needs to be revised regularly. It is important we review changes in the marketplace, business strategy and technology landscape. The first two are accomplished internally, by product and business teams. While technology changes are generally looked at, we always look for leaders who have deep understanding of key technologies and can help guide the evolution of the target state.
To do this, establish a network of people who are not at your company but who know you will learn from. I institute a Board of Advisors. These are smart people who I — and the team — can benefit from. They are granted company stock (but typically not compensated otherwise). You meet them regularly, present your plans to them and let them critique it. This helps in multiple ways. First, you learn what your blind spots are. Second, you might end up changing your tactics to benefit from the knowledge. Finally, they tend to know the right people — others who can help you further your mission — and can connect you with them.
My standard Operating procedure with the BoA is to meet them once a month 1:1 and then with the broader team once a quarter.
