The Strategy Book

Think. Strategize. Plan.

Good strategy describes the best path to achieving your goals by maximizing the resources you have. Early examples include the strategies of the ancient Greek and Chinese militaries, notably, those of Sun Tzu, whose book The Art of War still influences corporate and military leaders. Some leaders approach strategy analytically, others creatively. The best strategists combine the two, emphasizing one or the other depending on their objectives and their situation. Don’t rely exclusively on any specific type of strategy. Instead, make your strategy fit your needs. Think before you plan, strategize or act. To think through your needs, consider your organization holistically, along with the challenges and opportunities it faces. Align your thoughts with the organization’s mission, aspirations and resources. Study outside events and conditions as well as internal factors. Involve as many of the people in your organization as possible – including critical external stakeholders – to gain diverse ideas and perspectives. Know your existing strategy. Read and reread your annual reports and strategic plans when available.

Think...