Management theory and practice widely accept today that businesses operate in a more and more complex, dynamic, less predictable environment. This situation requires managers to develop new ways of thinking and acting. Nevertheless, many managers still follow the old approach of strategic positioning and strategic planning. This basic model proved to be very worthwhile for […]
Strategy and change – natural order or chicken-and-egg problem?
At the first glance, it is common sense: at first, a strategy is developed. Then, change is necessary in order to implement that strategy. The logic of this order is striking, isn’t it? Unfortunately, life is not as simple as we would prefer. It would be shortsighted to see change only as a means of […]
Corporate culture – Do not underestimate its impact on merger success
It is widely recognized that cultural differences between the partners of a merger are one of the most common reasons for failure in mergers. This may happen during pre-merger negotiations or during post-merger integration. Despite all Due Diligence, the two partners of a merger fail to form a new successful unit that is able to […]
The big shift in strategy
The last decades have brought a dramatic change in the external environment for almost every business. What has been a fairly stable and predictable landscape for a very long time has become a mix of dynamic, ever-changing and unpredictable forces. It is almost common sense now that the traditional approach to strategy, which builds on […]
How do you get the most out of your strategic planning meeting? Practical advice for preparation and follow-up
Strategic planning meetings are a very controversial thing. They have a bit of a reputation to be just another fancy management trend. I have to admit that I, too, have my doubts if all of these meetings are worth the efforts. My experience tells me that there is much truth in Brian Quinn’s famous quote: […]
How to position yourself as the central corporate strategic planner – Part 2
How you can build acceptance and credibility as a strategic planner As a corporate strategist in a central function your success depends on the organizations cooperation. The key is that everybody slightly involved in strategy making has to accept you as the central instance. You have to build trust and credibility. In part 1 of […]
How to position yourself as the central corporate strategic planner – Part 1
Why credibility, trust and acceptance are the key success factors for the corporate strategic planner and why they are so hard to gain You’ve got the job of your dreams. Or: You’ve been assigned the task. Or: You’ve been struggling with this task for some time without any progress. You are responsible for your company’s […]
Why strategic plans fail
It is almost common sense that many strategic plans fail to deliver the expected results. Richard Marker, who has worked as a strategic planner in private and non-profit sectors, shares his own observations about this problem in his article Why Strategic Plans Fail.
The Last Iceman Strategy – high profit potential but no sure-fire success
A Last Iceman Strategy is an approach for products or industries that come to the end of their lifecycle. The last supplier to survive industry decline has the chance to generate significant profits for a long time. You probably know that much. But do you know where this strategy got its name from? Do you […]
In Tough Times, ‘Hyper-Creatives’ Provide Creative Advantage
Every change in the marketplace, every upheaval in the economy, every shift in technology, and every change in consumer attitudes and outlook creates opportunities for successful new products. Since these changes are amplified during tough times, new product opportunities are actually more numerous during economic turbulence. The companies that develop and deploy new products during […]