Skip to content

Strategy Quote by Michael Bungay Stanier

“Michael Porter’s best, when he said, “The essence of strategy is choosing what not to do.” quote by Michael Bungay Stanier
Download Open image
““Michael Porter’s best, when he said, “The essence of strategy is choosing what not to do.””

Michael Bungay Stanier

About This Quote

Strategy focuses on selecting actions to avoid, as much as on choosing actions to take, to allocate resources effectively.

In simple terms: Good strategy is about what not to do.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize by eliminating low‑value tasks.

Themes

strategy decision‑making focus resource allocation

Mood

practical motivational

Type

business self‑help

When to use this quote

  • project planning
  • product development
  • personal productivity

Key Concepts

business management systems thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • What could you drop to improve outcomes?
  • How do you evaluate opportunity cost?
A Different Perspective

Choosing what not to do can be harder than deciding what to do.

2.4 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by Michael Bungay Stanier

Explore all 34 Michael Bungay Stanier quotes

More Strategy quotes

Browse all 5,045 Strategy quotes