The strategic planning process is often messy, tiring, and uncomfortable. It’s no surprise, then, that teams sometimes seek the relief of simplicity—reducing complex discussions to something more manageable. But this impulse to simplify, while tempting, is a trap. It robs the process of its depth and diminishes the richness of ideas and perspectives necessary for crafting a meaningful strategy.

To create a robust strategic plan, it’s essential to resist the pull of simplicity and stay in the “deep end” of the discussion. This means embracing the discomfort and complexity of diverse perspectives, and staying engaged with the nuances of analysis and debate. It’s here, in the messy middle, where the best insights often emerge.

One way to invite people into this deeper space of thinking is to start the process away from the plan itself. Before diving into the document or the details, consider a reflective exercise that shifts the team’s focus and encourages profound thought.

For example, ask the group to reflect on Immanuel Kant’s famous statement: “Thoughts without content are empty; intuitions without concepts are blind.” This idea, though simple, is profound. It encourages the team to move beyond surface-level thinking, ensuring that their insights are grounded in substance, rather than fleeting impressions. It’s an opportunity to engage more deeply with the complexity of the issue at hand and prepare the team to tackle the strategic plan with greater clarity and openness.

By creating space for reflective thinking, teams can sidestep the simplicity trap and engage with the strategic planning process at a level that leads to truly impactful outcomes. More importantly, this approach reinforces the idea that strategy is a direct result of collaboration. Collaboration thrives when team members are pulled out of their comfort zones and encouraged to engage with diverse perspectives and deeper levels of thought.

In the end, strategy that is built on the foundation of thoughtful, collaborative engagement is far more likely to produce sustainable, innovative results. So, the next time you’re faced with the discomfort of complex strategic discussions, remember: the deep end is where the richest ideas live.