#goodstrategybadstrategy

Richard Rumelt, Author of "Good Strategy, Bad Strategy" speaking at The London School of Economics.

I've read this book twice already and consider it the best book ever written of strategy. Not because of it's depth or revolutionary thinking, but because it makes understanding strategy easier than any other strategy book I've ever read. (Harvard Business, I love you, but your books are like wading through treacle). Just think Prof. Brian Cox explaining quantum physics with a coat hanger, a bucket and an umbrella on BBC2, and you'll understand what I mean.

Einstein used to say,

"We should make things as simple as possible, but not simpler... If you can't explain your physics to a barmaid in a language that she'd understand ~ it's bad physics!"

So, if you're in business and are responsible for driving change for an organisation or a client, READ THIS BOOK! [Kindle Link]. Strategy is one of the most over-used and mis-understood words in business. Strategy is not outlining targets or mission statements with flowery words and it is not defining a list objectives. Sadly thats what most people mention when asked what their strategy is. Those are hopes. Or goals.

Strategy is deciding where you want to go, why you want to go there and what you are going to do in order to get there. Strategy is usually addressing a big challenge and providing an action plan for exactly how you are going to do it.

I'd strongly encourage you to read the book if you want to understand this better. Your boss and/or your clients will love you for it! If you can't be bothered, or you're now too excited and can't wait 2 days for Amazon to deliver ~ then watch Richard talking about it here at the London School of Economics, just next door to where I work at Adobe in London.