Strategic Bluffing

A few weeks ago, my Director forwarded me an e-mail about high-level strategy teams that are being set up at work. There are four teams : People (i.e. human resources, I believe), Clients and Markets, Operations and Finance.

I was surprised and flattered to find myself on the list for the Operations team, especially as the other people on the team include MDs for the various operating companies. I will probably be the youngest person in the team of eight. Obviously, this will be good for my career and an opportunity to make an impression on the top guys.

The problem is, this is making really nervous. I am a tech-ie at heart and usually sneer at phrases like KPIs, Core Competencies, Operations Management etc etc. Hey, all us techies know that the real progress is made by the front-line troops...who needs all this management bullshit?

Well, deep in my little techie heart, I know that this is the way up in terms of career progression. It's great that I've been put forward and now I have to show that I can make a contribution to long term corporate strategy.

But aaarrrggggghhh, I don't know anything about strategic operations management. And there is an all day workshop in April with all these top guys and me...trying to sound intelligent. I can just imagine the scene.

UK MD: So, Katie-Ella what do you think about XXXX? Do you think it will make a difference to our overall product delivery?
Katie-Ella: Erm. Erm. Actually........Erm.....*pretend to faint*

Not good, huh?

Like a true bookworm, I believe that everything can be learnt from books, so I've been trawling Amazon trying to find a dummies guide to corporate finance, operations management etc. Any suggestions gratefully received!