Facilitating strategic alignment within international organisations requires a structured approach that fosters collaboration, sharpens strategic priorities, and delivers actionable insights.

At #inextremis, we have developed a co-creative methodology that enables associations and industry consortia to effectively define and refine their strategic direction.

A recent example of this approach was our workshop with Zhaga, an international consortium focused on standardisation in the lighting industry.

About Zhaga

Zhaga is a global consortium dedicated to standardising interfaces for LED luminaires, ensuring interoperability and interchangeability between components from different manufacturers.

By developing specifications that promote compatibility, Zhaga facilitates innovation, reduces market fragmentation, and enables more sustainable lighting solutions.

The consortium brings together industry leaders, manufacturers, and technology experts to shape the future of LED lighting.

A structured approach to strategic definition

In January, we had the privilege of leading a strategic workshop with Zhaga’s members in Vienna, Austria. This gathering brought together around twenty participants, all key stakeholders in the consortium’s future development.

The objective was clear: conducting a comprehensive PESTE and SWOT analysis would serve as a foundation for refining Zhaga’s strategic vision.

Our methodology prioritises active participation and structured reflection. The workshop encouraged constructive discussions, identified external factors shaping the consortium’s environment, and assessed internal strengths and weaknesses.

By leveraging a well-defined facilitation process, we ensured that each voice was heard and insights were translated into tangible recommendations.

Extracting meaningful insights through PESTE and SWOT analysis

Understanding the strategic landscape requires a nuanced approach.

The PESTE analysis allowed participants to examine political, economic, social, technological, and environmental factors influencing Zhaga’s activities.

This exercise provided a macro-level perspective on external trends shaping the consortium’s ecosystem.

Complementing this, the SWOT analysis enabled members to evaluate internal strengths and weaknesses while identifying opportunities and threats.

By combining these two analytical frameworks, the workshop facilitated a holistic understanding of Zhaga’s positioning and its strategic levers for future development.

From strategic reflection to actionable recommendations

A successful workshop does not end with insightful discussions—it leads to practical outcomes. The results of this session are now under review, with Zhaga’s leadership assessing how best to integrate the recommendations into their broader strategic roadmap.

This process exemplifies the power of structured strategic facilitation: it transforms collective expertise into a shared vision and an actionable plan.

At #inextremis, we understand that communication professionals in international associations and industry consortia operate in complex environments. Our role is to facilitate structured, high-value discussions that empower organisations to refine their strategies confidently.

By combining methodological rigour with a deep understanding of organisational dynamics, we support our clients in making informed strategic decisions.

Leveraging strategic workshops for long-term impact

The Zhaga workshop is a testament to the effectiveness of co-creative strategic facilitation. It highlights the importance of structured frameworks such as PESTE and SWOT in shaping a clear, forward-looking vision.

A well-designed workshop can be the catalyst for transformation for associations and consortia looking to refine their strategic direction.

At #inextremis, we bring proven expertise in strategic facilitation, helping organisations navigate complexity and seize opportunities with clarity.

Would your organisation benefit from a structured approach to strategic alignment? Let’s discuss how we can support your next strategic workshop.