The Strategy Paradox

In this summary you will learn

• Why preparing for various uncertain futures is a better strategy than relying on forecasts
• Why companies need diverse scenarios and options to avoid rigidity and stay flexible in the face of change
• Why “robust strategies” often get mediocre results

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Why you should read The Strategy Paradox

Have you spent hours creating forecasts you knew didn’t mean much? Have you wasted time in painful meetings where second-guessers judged your efforts harshly because your original decision was not perfect in light of the way reality later unfolded? Michael E. Raynor explains why developing a strategy that would work moderately well under a variety of circumstances is likely to lead to mediocre results. Instead, he teaches you to match the appropriate level of management to the “requisite uncertainties” your organization faces. Raynor discusses how to use “strategic options” to put your company in a position to capitalize on a range of contingent scenarios without having to make firm commitments. getAbstract recommends this intelligent approach to business strategy to executives in any industry. It is clearly written and well-illustrated with new takes on familiar business sagas.

About the Author

Michael E. Raynor, Ph.D., is a distinguished fellow at Deloitte Consulting and has a global client base.