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La spirale de réduction des coûts

When I raise the question “Do you have a strategy?”, I frequently get the answers below. Just a little game: vote for your favourite answer!  Then (only!), take a look at the answers at the bottom (in “more…” section).

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Some answers below:

1- “Why do I need a strategy?  This is pure theory, and I need practical solutions.”

A strategy is a tool to take decisions.

So, once you’ve built a strategy, you don’t have to think when you have to decide on priorities, on projects to be started first, stopped or postponed, etc.  Yes!  You just have to apply your strategy to take the right decision. No headache, keep cool.

2- “You know, I’m very very busy, so I’ve no time to spend in strategies.”

Impressive! You’re working very hard, trying to tackle many issues at once. Good performance… But what about results?  Oh yeah, it’s because you don’t have enough resources or people, right. But, in this case, why hiring someone is it not your priority?  A strategy is a tool to help you and avoid being overloaded. Work smarter, not harder.

3- “I’m convinced that I need a strategy, but not now: I have rather urgent priorities at this moment. Once those priorities will be tackled, I’ll build up a strategy.”

OK, fine, but you already gave me the same answer about six months ago. What changed since?  Aoh, you have new unexpected urgent priorities in the meantime. OK, but do you really think it will come to an end?

4- “Yes, I do have a strategy. It is a document there, somewhere in the library.”

If you don’t use a strategy, it is not a strategy. Or, it means that you don’t take decisions. Strategy is a tool to take decisions. No decision to take, no need of strategy.  Are there decisions to be taken?  Yes?  Then, you just have to use your strategy.

5- “I don’t need a strategy. I’m the big boss and I know what I have to do.”

This is fine. But keep in mind that you cannot delegate decisions to people if you don’t have a strategy. If you are not there, no decision could be taken. So, never on holiday, never ill, always available… are you really sure?