Strategy Builder
Build clear, practical strategies that are easier to communicate, understand, and put into action.
In-Person
25 Nov 2026 | Wellington (Pipitea)
Can’t make these dates or want a private course?
Course overview
Strategy Builder is a practical one-day workshop for people who need to develop, refine, or communicate strategy more effectively. It addresses a common challenge: strategies often fail not because the thinking is weak, but because they are too complex, unclear, or difficult for others to engage with.
Based on the book Strategy Builder: How to create and communicate more effective strategies by Stephen Cummings and Duncan Angwin, this course introduces a flexible process for building strategy in a clearer and more collaborative way.
Participants will explore practical tools and frameworks, including classic strategy approaches and visual methods for communicating strategic direction. The course is suited to managers, leaders, advisors, project leads, and professionals involved in shaping strategy for a team, function, organisation, or group.
What you'll learn
- Identify the key elements of strategy and organise them into a clear, practical format.
- Apply classic strategy frameworks, including PESTLE, SWOT and VRIO, to support strategic analysis.
- Explore contemporary approaches to strategy, including design thinking, dynamic capabilities, and the quadruple bottom line.
- Communicate strategy more effectively using pictures, drawings and visual tools.
- Create a one-page strategy for an organisation, team, or group using the Strategy Builder process.
Course modules
This practical, interactive course combines facilitator input, group discussion, and hands-on strategy building. Participants work through a structured process for developing and communicating a strategy that is clear, actionable, and engaging.
- Defining strategy: Develop a practical understanding of strategy and why many strategies fail to gain traction.
- Clarifying purpose: Learn how to define strategic purpose and identify what matters most.
- Strategic analysis: Use practical tools to assess external opportunities and challenges and internal capabilities.
- Building goals: Create balanced strategic goals that connect purpose with action.
- Communicating strateg: Share work-in-progress strategies with the group and learn from each other.
Further Information
Format
This course is delivered as a full-day in-person workshop at our Wellington venue. It includes a mix of facilitator-led sessions, small-group exercises, and whole-group discussion. Group size is limited to 16 participants to ensure meaningful interaction and personal feedback. Morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea are provided to support networking and collaboration.
What You'll Receive
You will receive a copy of Strategy Builder: How to create and communicate more effective strategies by Stephen Cummings and Duncan Angwin along with the app www.strategyblocks.com.
You will receive a digital certificate of attendance and a Wellington Uni-Professional digital badge. These include the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours completed, making them suitable for recognition by professional organisations and employers.
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