Good Strategy Bad Strategy: The Difference and Why It Matters

Good Strategy Bad Strategy: The Difference and Why It Matters is a book by Richard P. Rumelt that explores the concept of strategy, and how to distinguish between good and bad strategy. The book presents several key takeaways, including the following:

1. Good strategy is a coherent and integrated plan that is focused on achieving a specific and valuable goal. This means being clear about the specific outcome or result that we are trying to achieve, and being able to identify and prioritize the most important and valuable actions and activities that will support and enable the achievement of that goal.
2. Bad strategy, on the other hand, is unfocused, disjointed, and disconnected from the reality of the situation. This means lacking clarity about the specific outcome or result that we are trying to achieve, and being unable to identify and prioritize the most important and valuable actions and activities that will support and enable the achievement of that goal.
3. To distinguish between good and bad strategy, it is important to evaluate the coherence and integration of the strategy, and to assess its focus and alignment with the specific outcome or result that we are trying to achieve. This means looking for a clear and logical connection between the different elements of the strategy, and being able to evaluate the extent to which the strategy is focused and aligned with our goals.
4. To distinguish between good and bad strategy, it is also important to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the strategy, and to assess its potential risks and opportunities. This means looking for evidence that the strategy is realistic and achievable, and being able to evaluate the potential risks and opportunities associated with the strategy.
5. By distinguishing between good and bad strategy, organizations can avoid the pitfalls of ineffective and unproductive strategies, and can focus on developing and implementing strategies that are focused, aligned, and effective in achieving their goals. This can lead to greater success and achievement for the organization.