The single most damaging misconception about strategy is that it is a set of financial performance goals. The so-called "strategies" created by many managements are nothing more than three-to-five year financial performance forecasts. They are then labeled "strategy" and shipped… — Richard P. Rumelt Copy Share Image
“The product lineup was too complicated and the company was bleeding cash. A friend of the family asked me which Apple computer she should buy. She couldn’t figure out the differences among them and I couldn’t give her clear guidance, either. I was appalled that there was no Apple consumer computer priced under $2,000. We are replacing all of those… — Richard P. Rumelt Copy Share
“Whatever you think about this definition of leadership, a problem arises when it is confused with strategy. Leadership and strategy may be joined in the same person, but they are not the same thing. Leadership inspires and motivates self-sacrifice. Change, for example, requires painful adjustments, and good leadership helps people feel more positively about making those adjustments. Strategy is the… — Richard P. Rumelt Copy Share
You overcome the logical resistance to change by proving that a new approach actually works, usually on a small scale. — Richard P. Rumelt Copy Share Image
The US needs military/defense, economic, and social strategies. A medium-sized business, by contrast, is normally best off focusing its efforts on a single crucial… — Richard P. Rumelt Copy Share Image
“The most basic idea of strategy is the application of strength against weakness. Or, if you prefer, strength applied to the most promising opportunity.” — Richard P. Rumelt Copy Share Image
“Many people call the guiding policy “the strategy” and stop there. This is a mistake. Strategy is about action, about doing something. The kernel… — Richard P. Rumelt Copy Share Image
“Bad strategy may actively avoid analyzing obstacles because a leader believes that negative thoughts get in the way. Leaders may create bad strategy by… — Richard P. Rumelt Copy Share Image
“It is often said that a strategy is a choice or a decision. The words “choice” and “decision” evoke an image of someone considering… — Richard P. Rumelt Copy Share Image
A real strategy is a coherent mix of policy and action designed to overcome a significant challenge. So a sensible employee might indeed say… — Richard P. Rumelt Copy Share Image
Change is difficult and it takes time. It is hard for people to change their own behavior, much less that of others. Change programs… — Richard P. Rumelt Copy Share Image
“Nevertheless, the doctrine that one can impose one’s visions and desires on the world by the force of thought alone retains a powerful appeal… — Richard P. Rumelt Copy Share Image
“Not miscalculation, bad strategy is the active avoidance of the hard work of crafting a good strategy. One common reason for choosing avoidance is… — Richard P. Rumelt Copy Share Image
