How Your Strategy Can be Great by Design | Lawrence Chong | TEDxNewton

Lawrence shares his unlikely path to being a Strategist through Design and how that discovery led him on a 20-year journey to uncovering a unique code to decipher great strategy. Going from Leonardo Da Vinci to SpaceX then Steve Jobs, Lawrence shares the three elements for great strategy. A concept worth pondering. “What do you see?”
This question by his design lecturer pivoted the life of Lawrence from seeking priesthood towards design as a change ministry since 2002. It launched him on a lifelong quest to help leaders, organizations, and communities to see their value with new eyes. The Founder of Consulus, an innovation by design firm that operates in 16 countries. He served as President of Design Business Chamber Singapore. He is passionate about designing an inclusive economy. An activist for dialogue, Pope Francis appointed him to serve on his interfaith council in 2020; Lawrence wears many hats with one purpose: Change by Design This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@samylevis]

man, you can just tell he has an absolutely brilliant mind

[@abbyfcruz]

Love that he went from seeing design as a hobby to realizing nah, this is actually really impactful.

[@izakjakub]

The analogy of a canvas for strategy is brilliant. Starting with the limits in mind and embracing creativity within them - that's the essence of strategic thinking.

[@raylinduke9645]

Lawrence's talk left me contemplating how strategy is often diluted with vague reassurances rather than confronting the truth. His analogy of truth being like poetry, not always well-received, is thought-provoking. It highlights the necessity of facing realities to formulate effective strategies.

[@mariaciacci]

Trusting the right people for honest critique is gold. It's not just about surrounding yourself with 'yes-men,' but those who genuinely push you to improve.

[@LawrenceChong]

yes the key is as you said, they need to be genuinely interested in you

[@bluedefender2325]

The 'cause' element really got me thinking about the motive behind my actions... feels like a wake-up call for strategic success

[@IndaMoment]

This talk has a unique take on strategy, blending art and science. Da Vinci would be proud!

[@taniagill4673]

Critique is the secret sauce! Trustworthy feedback is the key to unlocking breakthrough excellence and it's always good to have someone who challenges your thinking

[@LifeLolling]

Exploring the strategic value of design beyond the myths is eye-opening. It's not just about making things pretty; it's about shaping environments in a way that those in said environments become inspired by it

[@BladeStunBert]

I resonate with the speaker's journey from seeing design as a hobby to realizing its profound impact. Life's twists and turns!

[@brewsterdd]

Lawrence's analogy of the canvas reminds me that successful strategies are often those that are carefully crafted within defined boundaries.

[@LawrenceChong]

never the sky is the limit but to see the limits and push for the sky while confronting the truth.

[@IHaveDenverSoul]

I'm all in for critique! Honest feedback is the spice of life.

[@theothersideofego]

very true Denver very true

[@therealprincessareeba]

The importance of surrounding yourself with trusted peers for honest critique cannot be overstated! It's so important to be getting that kind of feedback from people that firstly understand what the task at hand is, and secondly you know aren't coming for you in a way that would make them want to give you faulty feedback so you do a bad job.

[@guntherhofer]

Design has the power to shape minds and guide people forward. It's not just about aesthetics but about revealing the truth.

[@mirandacarr]

The ‘cause, critique, canvas’ framework is such a simple yet powerful tool for strategy.

[@alexdenns]

Starting with the end in mind and embracing the limits of your canvas is essential for creative genius. It's about knowing when to push boundaries and when to respect constraints.

[@3leftfeet]

this talk really hits home! Strategy in life and business can be elusive, but the 'Masterpiece Code' concept simplifies it beautifully.

[@bulldogggg]

The song "I've been everywhere man" is stuck in my head while watching him. You know you can trust what he's putting down here.

[@LawrenceChong]

thank you for your kind compliments

[@lamarjacobs]

Wow, I'm totally convinced now! Strategy = masterpiece code. Let's embrace our limits!

[@oo_eddie_oo4204]

Understanding the 'cause' behind your actions is crucial for strategic success. It's about digging deeper to uncover the motive that will truly drive you forward.

[@dannyduncduncan]

Strategy talks can sound like everyone's just chasing dreams. I'm all for a dose of reality!! Great talk here!!

[@LawrenceChong]

thanks

[@shastadeed]

His emphasis on critique as a transformative force really intrigued me!

[@tonyiquintero]

I like the emphasis on having a clear cause behind your actions. It's sort of like doing things to live your purpose and proving it exists with tangible evidence rather than just having this feeling of like you sort of know what you're meant to be doing.

[@emma.st.charles]

As someone who has dabbled in creative pursuits his point about defining your canvas constraints first instead of just winging it is absolutely life-changing advice that I wish I had come across when I started going down that road. So many times I would just sit down and start and let the creation come to me instead of having a clear idea of what I was about to create and while there is merit in that, learning to design something before creating it was so helpful for my process

[@LawrenceChong]

thank you and am glad it has been useful for you

[@emma.st.charles]

@@LawrenceChong great talk, thank you

[@HoneydripBurn]

The notion of "canvas" as a strategic element, particularly the idea of understanding limitations and embracing them, struck me as a counterintuitive yet powerful approach. Lawrence's examples of Leonardo da Vinci and Steve Jobs underscore the importance of crafting strategies within defined boundaries.

[@DreamFestForMe]

Yes! The masterpiece code - cause, critique, canvas - is spot on!

[@InstantInformant]

Leonardo da Vinci's approach to marrying art and science, as well as Steve Jobs' partnership with Johnny Ive, demonstrates the importance of collaboration and understanding each other's strengths. Lawrence's talk makes me reflect on the power of trusting others to contribute to your vision.

[@LawrenceChong]

Another important point is to seek feedback from people with diverse expertise and backgrounds, diverse lens helps

[@lizbeethgonzalezhernandez]

I've always believed in the power of critique in design. It's amazing to see it applied to strategy too. Creativity is the BEST way to move forward

[@LawrenceChong]

Critique and being able to do it well is an art form, it helps to perfect the work.

[@iammatrixmike]

Amazing example of what having faith will do. You got to have faith. Faith. Faith. And strategy.

[@brittaniecrum]

out of those two things, I think I prefer to lean on strategy...

[@caro.7487]

@@brittaniecrum No one's asking you to choose Brittanie.

[@LawrenceChong]

very much so , especially in such times

[@karahzongster5559]

The idea of starting with the end in mind and embracing limitations is a refreshing take on strategy.

[@caroldendy851]

know your destination

[@lacylahoma]

When going with the flow IS the strategy!!

[@bleugh9451]

The part about limitations really got me thinking. We often overlook constraints, but they can drive some of the most creative solutions.

[@LawrenceChong]

In my upcoming book, I have the stories throughout history about how limits drove some of the most creative forms of leadership and ideation.

[@georgeasper]

what was remarkable about steve jobs is that he paid so much attention to design, even the inside of his computers were presented beautifully.

[@imaislieIm]

The anecdote about Steve Jobs passing the reins to Tim Cook really grabbed my attention. There needs to be so much trust when it comes to strategic succession and it's interesting that Steve's intuitive understanding of Tim's strengths paved the way for Apple's continued success.

[@LawrenceChong]

Steve ever said that the greatest product he ever built is Apple and the fact that the leadership could build on what he started is not the norm in corporate America.

[@themighty1174]

The story about his daughter’s ‘blah blah blah’ comment cracked me up! Kids are so honest.

[@reaganmosher7769]

Loving that this talk made me think about how strategy can lack depth or fall into the trap of providing reassurance instead of truth.

[@LawrenceChong]

indeed, a lot of strategy can be for the purpose of vanity and not useful to shape change or success

[@christy-mercurio]

I find it interesting how design transformed the speaker's perspective and became their life's work. It shows the transformative power of a single lesson.

[@LawrenceChong]

Yes Mr Low literally changed my view of the world and design

[@alisonjanicewhite]

Design thinking has often been misunderstood, but I've witnessed its impact firsthand. It's not just a passing trend; it can truly transform organizations. This talk reaffirmed my belief in the power of design.

[@LawrenceChong]

Unfortunately has been abuses in the use of the design thinking method, key is to remember the first principles of design

[@jack-harper]

The comparison between Samsung and Apple's design processes was super interesting, it's not just about the quantity of designers but the quality of feedback and critiques.

[@hairypoppins294]

Well done on debunking the myths around design thinking! It's not just about post-its; it's a powerful method to shape minds.

[@lostnlonely669]

Wow, that quote about truth being like poetry really struck a chord with me. It's true, we often prefer reassurance over facing the harsh reality.

[@LawrenceChong]

sadly and you can see this very often when politicians claim simplistic solutions to complex problems

[@TheRubenZepeda]

The concept of cause as a motive that truly motivates you to act struck me as quite profound. It's not just about having a purpose; it's about proving its existence through action. Lawrence's example of SpaceX vs. Blue Origin highlighted how the pursuit of a cause with action sets companies apart.

[@LawrenceChong]

I will explain this further in my upcoming book, glad you found it useful

[@TheErosChat]

True - great design pleases the eye and soothes the soul.

[@vtyJr]

The comparison between different strategic visions is really important if we want design to be progressive. Steve Jobs' ability to see around corners and envision a post-PC world is truly exceptional. It's a reminder that having a visionary leader who can understand and adapt to industry shifts can lead to incredible success.

[@LawrenceChong]

many a times, it is about accepting limits but not being limited by them, that is when a pivot begins

[@snakejohnson2740]

It's refreshing to hear a different perspective on design and strategy presentations. A lot of the advice is so formulaic, it makes it difficult to take it on board and create something unique but there are some great practical tips here!

[@jacobydesoiles]

Pure gold at 1:22 "truth is like poetry and most people hate poetry. " 💀💀

[@caro.7487]

Design as a purposeful tool resonates with me. It's not just about aesthetics but guiding attention and creating excitement. I've always believed in the power of design, and now I see it in a whole new light

[@LawrenceChong]

glad you found this useful

[@lFEARLESSMEDIAl]

I had no idea that studying design could lead to such a fulfilling career. It's fascinating to hear how one person's suggestion changed the trajectory of this speaker's life. It's a reminder to always embrace unexpected opportunities.

[@sandycrisp4518]

I fear the subtleties of what Lawrence said may have gone over my head but his enthusiasm for the topic is unquestionable.

[@LawrenceChong]

The TEDx format has limits, in the book where I can spill more ink, I will be able to go into details, thanks for this feedback

[@lanazaja]

Wow, this guy really gets it! I love how he points out that all these strategy presentations sound the same. It's refreshing to hear someone acknowledge the truth and not just try to reassure us. Plus, his story about Steve Jobs and Apple's success is so inspiring.

[@LawrenceChong]

glad you found it useful and inspiring

[@olgasladekova]

Design's ability to shape minds and guide thinking is something I've always believed in. This speaker's journey reinforces my conviction. The masterpiece code they mentioned-cause, critique, and canvas-sounds like a powerful approach to strategy

[@LawrenceChong]

glad that it affirmed your conviction, all the best!

[@TheAffinityAdvocate]

Hearing about his daughter's "blah blah blah" moment during a Zoom meeting had me laughing out loud - it's so relatable! But it got me thinking about how similar strategy presentations can be. His perspective on strategy as a method for making decisions, especially in our personal lives, resonated deeply.

[@LawrenceChong]

thank you, my daughter keeps me grounded😆

[@juniorjensen]

The "masterpiece code" that Lawrence shared resonates with me. It's a holistic approach to strategy, incorporating cause, critique, and canvas. I appreciate his emphasis on understanding your purpose deeply and proving it with evidence - a critical foundation for any strategic endeavor.

[@averyrothschild]

This talk speaks to my startup journey. Sometimes it's tough to see the bigger picture. 'Cause, critique, canvas' - I'm taking notes!

[@LawrenceChong]

all the best and glad this helped

[@ryleefinn8894]

I love how the speaker simplified strategy with the masterpiece code. It's refreshing to see a clear framework-cause, critique, and canvas-that can help us make better decisions. It's time to apply this in our own strategic planning.

[@LawrenceChong]

glad you found this useful

[@enesyldzsr]

I could really relate to the journey shared here, discovering the power of design. The story about always keeping the end in mind and setting boundaries got me thinking about my own approach to strategic decisions in life and work.

[@sarahyjames]

This is such a great approach to design! I agree I think it's important to draw inspiration from many places

[@joedoe5938]

Interesting perspective on strategy and design. I never thought of it as a 'Masterpiece Code.' Definitely gives me something to ponder.

[@jessicamahmed]

I found Lawrence's journey really fascinating and the way he weaves personal anecdotes with larger concepts is a great way of showing the evolution of his strategic thinking.

[@LawrenceChong]

thank you, glad it helped, I was a bit worried that there was too much of my personal journey.

[@jacobydusar]

Critique like Jobs, sketch like da Vinci, limitlessly create! Ready to conquer!

[@desivaldez]

"Strategy is best described as having a clear framework for decision making, starting with your goals, how will you get there and the actions you need to do to achieve them." Going to put this on a million post-it notes around my work space 😅😅

[@caro.7487]

Post it notes are so easy to ignore though 😂😂

[@waltersiegismund]

The idea of starting with the end in mind and working within limitations is fascinating, I have a very difficult time not being totally thrown off course when I come up against obstacles that are beyond my experience....

[@LawrenceChong]

Michael Caine, the British actor shared something interesting. When he started acting, he was once confronted with an odd limitation and while he fumbled. the producer shouted at him, asking: what are you doing? Michael was then advised to be adaptive and to creatively use any obstacle to his advantage. It has since become his philosophy in life: use the limitation.

[@geraldemery1417]

I appreciate the emphasis on limitations and starting with the end in mind. It's all about practicality!!

[@LawrenceChong]

indeed, practicality by design!

[@craigjohns7665]

Thank you for sharing your personal journey. It's a reminder that even unexpected detours can lead to greatness. 🌟

[@LawrenceChong]

welcome, detours are actually providential moments to call us to see better and be open to creative navigation.

[@andrewtsilas]

The story about his design teacher asking "What do you see?" gave me chills. It's crazy how one simple question can completely shift your worldview. Makes me wonder what I'm missing in my daily life.

[@mymotivationsnow]

I loved how he linked historical figures like Da Vinci to modern strategy. Shows timeless relevance.

[@jackrichards9402]

I've always been skeptical of buzzwords like 'design thinking,' but this talk broke it down in a relatable way! Excited to see if this works.

[@LawrenceChong]

Glad it helped

[@albinachatton4390]

I've seen my fair share of strategy presentations, and I have to say, this one really stood out. Lawrence's emphasis on having a clear framework for decision-making and the importance of design in shaping strategy resonated with me. It's refreshing to see someone take a different approach and challenge the popular myths surrounding design thinking.

[@LawrenceChong]

Thank you for your comments; in a time of confusion, clarity and creative seeing matters

[@QueenberryChaos]

I LOVE HIS STORY! What an incredible journey!!!

[@LawrenceChong]

thank you, I am grateful for the adventure so far

[@conradthelegendwhite]

Lawrence's emphasis on having a trusted circle of peers who can give honest feedback is so important as critique is often overlooked when refining strategies. It's easy to get caught up in our own ideas, but having that external perspective can lead to breakthrough excellence.

[@the-cookie_monster]

It's truly inspiring to hear how this journey evolved, from considering a path in the priesthood to diving into design, quite the ride and I love it!

[@daphnefish]

it is for sure

[@lilygrander]

Definitely agree about not knowing what's relevant to you in terms of sifting through all the information that's available out here.

[@oliverreserd]

I remember my own design teacher who shaped my understanding of this field. Design is about more than just making things look good; it's about driving strategy and purpose. This talk reminded me of those valuable lessons.

[@LawrenceChong]

Indeed, we received so much from Design teachers who gifted us a great way to see the world.

[@BagofSwag]

Wow, Lawrence's talk really hit home for me. I've been in countless strategy presentations that all seem to blend together after a while. His point about the importance of having a clear framework for decision-making is so true. Without it, we're just lost in a sea of possibilities.

[@LawrenceChong]

glad you found this useful

[@mikedrawley]

His experience with desktop publishing as a kid brought back memories. Nostalgic!

[@kanyakonsrimanopanithan]

never thought I'd be this invested in a talk about strategy, but here i am, 16 minutes later, mind thoroughly blown. kudos to him for making this stuff actually interesting.

[@makeitso1017]

I'm inspired by his accidental journey into design. It's a reminder that sometimes our true calling isn't what we initially envision for ourselves but staying open to unexpected opportunities ends up with some pretty great results!

[@Iamcarlosdanger]

The comparison between SpaceX and Blue Origin is a great example of learning from experience and thinking of embracing our failures as a hallmark of strategic success is a great reframe!

[@josiemartaine4743]

The importance of critique in refining strategy cannot be underestimated. Surrounding yourself with trustworthy peers who challenge your thinking is key to growth.

[@taradjokic867]

This talk is an incredible reframe of how to strategize effectively. Thanks Lawrence, looking forward to putting some of this into action!

[@LawrenceChong]

Most welcome!

[@iambabypink]

I'm for anything that takes you out of marching in the hot sun and getting extra days at home to be creative.

[@ben-basi]

I love the attention you bring to design with this talk Lawrence, a lot of people underestimate how effective good design is, but I guess everyone knows bad design when they see it 😂😂

[@LawrenceChong]

for sure and bad design is a consequence of the lack of intentionality and seeing.

[@jacksonradern]

Man I love finding stories like this from people who have already done so many different things with their life

[@charliechapgould]

Wow, that was an eye-opening talk on strategy! I've attended so many presentations before, but this one really made me rethink how we approach decision-making. It's time to focus on clarity and relevance

[@LawrenceChong]

Thank you, glad it helped

[@I-Am-june-day]

Good subject, worth listening too.

[@sheryldabose1988]

The way he described Steve Jobs' ability to see around corners resonated with me deeply. It reminded me of the importance of visionary leadership in steering a company's course through industry disruptions. The idea that a clear strategic vision can lead to immense success is compelling.

[@averisalon]

His advice to "just start and embrace failing" in order to iteratively get closer to your goal is something I definitely need to take to heart instead of getting paralyzed by the fear of failure. It's a tough lesson to learn though, I feel like we're conditioned to think if we fail once we'll fail forever

[@bigthinking1715]

The take home message for me was to be open to criticism from your peers.

[@suebakernottly]

Maybe critique versus criticism?

[@elian-cruz]

The critique element is spot on! Surrounding yourself with trustworthy peers is crucial for growth both professionally and personally

[@MediaMediums]

The concept of 'seppe vetera' in examining how a course guides actions is fascinating. It's about seeking irrefutable facts from experience rather than relying on assumptions.

[@perfectplanssampler]

"truth is like poetry.. and most people hate poetry" - damn, that hit hard. no wonder so many strategies fail. we're too busy sugar-coating everything instead of facing facts.

[@cyruslandon]

I've been exposed to various strategy presentations throughout my career, and this one definitely caught my attention. I appreciate how he shares his personal journey with design and highlights the strategic value it holds. It's fascinating to hear about the impact of design on shaping minds and guiding people's strategies.

[@LawrenceChong]

Thank you for your thoughtful comments.

[@rinanoshinikov]

goodness me, this is absolutely fascinating! how many different paths he went down and clearly better off for it!

[@LawrenceChong]

thanks Rina

[@jacquelinebrumbaugh]

man, his talk got me thinking about how we define success. like, is it just about hitting targets, or is it more about how well we understand and navigate our limitations?

[@fantastic.shoppingaddict]

his story about designing a newsletter during the Gulf War hit different. It's crazy how world events can shape our personal journeys. Makes me wonder how current global issues might be steering my own path now without me even realizing it.

[@sahavasilev8787]

Spot on about critique being a key part of the creative process. Hearing feedback can be tough, but it's how you learn and grow as a designer.

[@archiegoodale]

This talk is speaking my design language - finally someone gets how important design can be for strategy, not just the other way around!

[@samanthaabadi]

There was something profound about how he broke down the responsibility of true creative geniuses to shape a masterpiece that can still inspire after they're gone. I think that's what every creator hopes to achieve

[@bobertgenn]

This talk definitely made me appreciate the strategic side of design. It's about more than just making things look good!

[@bilbobaggins3rd]

The comparison of design cultures at Samsung and Apple was fascinating. Quality over quantity when it comes to trusted advisors. Makes me think about who I turn to for honest feedback in my own life.