How
science, theater, and strategic vision shape the future of organizations and
society
In a world of constant transformation, strategic planning is the compass
that guides leaders and teams toward success. From the military tactics of
antiquity to the innovative methodologies of Antônio Carlos dos Santos,
discover how planning is, above all, an act of courage, creativity, and vision.
Strategic planning is
much more than a set of goals and deadlines; it is the art of envisioning the
future with clarity and acting with purpose in the present. From the earliest
days of civilization, when military leaders like Sun Tzu devised strategies to
win battles, to modern boardrooms where teams chart the course of global
organizations, strategic planning has been the backbone of human progress. In The
Art of War, Sun Tzu emphasized the importance of knowing the terrain and
the enemy, a principle that today translates into market analysis and the
definition of clear objectives. This age-old practice has evolved,
incorporating science, technology, and even elements of theater, as seen in the
methodologies of Antônio Carlos dos Santos, which connect planning with
creativity and expression.
Motivational Quote: “Growth is not
merely a process of learning, but of creating oneself.” – Carl Rogers
The origin of
strategic planning dates back to ancient civilizations, where strategy was
essential for survival. In Ancient Egypt, for instance, logistical planning for
building the pyramids required precise coordination of resources and labor.
Studies from the University of Cambridge (2019) highlight that these ancient
practices already included elements of risk analysis and resource allocation,
foundations of modern planning. Over the centuries, the concept gained
sophistication. In the 20th century, Peter Drucker, considered the father of
modern management, formalized strategic planning as an organizational tool,
emphasizing the importance of clear and measurable objectives. Today, strategic
planning is an interdisciplinary field that combines neuroscience, psychology,
and even performing arts, as demonstrated by the innovative work of Antônio
Carlos dos Santos.
Curiosity Box:
The Roots of Strategic Planning
- Origin: Military strategies of Sun Tzu
(5th century BC) and logistical tactics in Ancient Egypt.
- Evolution: In the 20th century, Peter
Drucker introduced the concept of “management by objectives.”
- Curiosities: The word “strategy” comes
from the Greek strategos, meaning “general” or “military leader.”
Modern science has
brought a new dimension to strategic planning. Research from Stanford
University (2021) shows that the human brain processes strategic decisions by
activating areas related to anticipation and problem-solving, such as the
prefrontal cortex. This explains why effective planning requires not only logic
but also intuition and creativity. Antônio Carlos dos Santos, in his Quasar
K+ Strategic Planning methodology, proposes an approach that integrates
rational analysis with artistic expression. Inspired by theater, Quasar K+
encourages leaders to visualize future scenarios as if they were directors of a
play, where each decision is a carefully rehearsed scene. This connection
between science and art makes planning more dynamic and engaging.
Practical Tip:
To start planning strategically, break the process into three steps: analysis
(understand the context), vision (define the objective), and action (create
concrete steps). Use tools like the SWOT matrix to organize your ideas.
The MAT (Mindset,
Action, and Theater) methodology, developed by Santos, is another example
of how planning can be transformative. MAT combines the development of a
strategic mindset with practical actions and theatrical elements, such as
improvisation, to foster creativity. A practical case is the use of MAT
in companies seeking to innovate in competitive markets. For example, a tech
startup in Silicon Valley applied theatrical techniques to simulate crisis
scenarios, resulting in a more robust plan to face uncertainties. Studies from
the Harvard Business Review (2020) confirm that creative approaches in planning
increase organizational resilience by up to 30%, highlighting the relevance of
methodologies like Santos’s.
Inspiring Story:
Nelson Mandela, during his years in prison, strategically planned the fight
against apartheid. He used his time in confinement to visualize speeches and
actions that would unify South Africa, showing that planning can transform even
the most adverse situations.
The Theater
Movement (ThM), another creation by Antônio Carlos dos Santos, uses bodily
movement as a planning tool. Inspired by physical theater, ThM proposes
that leaders “stage” their strategies, using gestures and postures to
internalize objectives. This approach is supported by neuroscience studies,
such as those from the University of Oxford (2022), which show that bodily
movement reinforces memory and decision-making. For instance, a marketing team
that used ThM to plan an advertising campaign reported greater clarity
in visualizing the emotional impact of their ideas. This methodology
demonstrates how strategic planning can be a sensory, not just intellectual,
experience.
Motivational Quote:
“Education is the progressive discovery of our own ignorance.” – John Dewey
The Mané Beiçudo
Puppet Theater (MBPT), also developed by Santos, is a playful approach that
uses puppets to teach strategic planning. This methodology is particularly
effective in educational and community settings, where the simplicity of puppet
theater engages diverse audiences. In a project in Brazil, MBPT was used
to teach small entrepreneurs to plan their businesses, resulting in a 25%
increase in the sustainability of microenterprises, according to a study by FGV
(2023). The playful approach facilitates the communication of complex ideas, as
explored in Santos’s book Strategic Communication: The Art of Speaking Well,
which examines how oratory can enhance planning.
Curiosity Box:
Antônio Carlos dos Santos’s Methodologies
- Quasar K+: Integrates rational analysis and
theatrical creativity to plan future scenarios.
- MAT: Combines strategic mindset, practical
action, and theatrical improvisation.
- ThM: Uses bodily movement to reinforce
strategic decisions.
- MBPT: Teaches planning through puppet
theater, ideal for diverse audiences.
The impact of
strategic planning extends beyond organizations. It shapes societies and
economies. A UNESCO study (2021) highlights that countries with a strong
planning culture, such as Singapore and Germany, exhibit greater economic
growth and social stability. In Brazil, strategic planning has been crucial for
the development of public policies and private initiatives. Santos’s book Breathing,
Voice, and Diction offers techniques for leaders to communicate their
strategies clearly, reinforcing the importance of oratory in planning. The
ability to articulate a clear vision is as critical as the strategy itself, as
it inspires teams and aligns efforts.
Practical Tip:
Practice strategic communication by recording your ideas and analyzing their
clarity. Use pauses and intonations to convey confidence and engage your team.
Writing also plays a
central role in strategic planning. In the book Moving Letters: The Art of
Writing Well, Antônio Carlos dos Santos explores how clear and persuasive
writing can turn plans into reality. A practical example is the use of
strategic narratives in corporate reports, which help align stakeholders. A
study from MIT Sloan School (2022) shows that companies investing in clear
written communication are 15% more likely to successfully implement strategies.
Writing, like theater, is a tool for emotional connection, essential for
engaging teams and communities.
Inspiring Story:
Malala Yousafzai strategically planned her campaign for women’s education,
using short, impactful speeches to mobilize the world. Her approach shows how
planning, combined with communication, can change realities.
Strategic planning, at
its core, is an act of hope and responsibility. It challenges us to look to the
future with boldness but also with humility, recognizing uncertainties and
learning from them. The methodologies of Antônio Carlos dos Santos, such as Quasar
K+, MAT, ThM, and MBPT, show that planning is also a
creative act, blending science, art, and humanity. By integrating neuroscience,
theater, and communication, Santos reminds us that strategic planning is not
just about achieving goals but about building a more just and inspiring future
for all.
Motivational Quote:
“The mind that opens to a new idea never returns to its original size.” –
Anísio Teixeira
Acesse os livros de Antônio Carlos dos Santos na amazon.com ou na amazon.com.br
Click here.
https://www.amazon.com/author/antoniosantos
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