Winning the Long Game

How Strategic Leaders Shape the Future

Public Affairs, 2014

15 min read

10 take-aways

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What's inside?

To “play the long game,” strategic leaders must transcend short-term challenges and envision long-term outcomes.

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Recommendation

Most quality leaders can execute well enough during stable times. However, during VUCA periods of “volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity,” a passable strategy quickly turns out to be futile. Such time spans demand enlightened, “strategic leadership.” Management consultants Steven Krupp and Paul J.H. Schoemaker define strategic leadership and explain how ordinary leaders can become extraordinary and strategic. The authors outline six clear, practical capabilities leaders need and explain how to develop those skills so you can “play the long game.” getAbstract recommends their insightful guidebook to leaders at all levels.

Summary

“Strategic Leadership”

Developing sustainable value on a long-term basis is a major challenge for the leaders of any company. For many executives, this goal can seem less pressing than staying on top of the demands of daily management. Peter Drucker encapsulated this basic dichotomy when he said, “Management is doing things right and leadership is doing the right things.”

In today’s complex “VUCA” world – characterized by “volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity” – leaders must perform like jazz musicians, riffing and improvising to stay abreast of new developments. Before today’s volatility, leaders were like classical musicians who performed by following an orchestral score. Leaders are now undergoing that tough transition, which demands operating successfully amid the chancy VUCA environment. Failure can mean personal and professional disaster. To remain viable, executives and companies must develop leadership skills and “strategic capabilities” so they can adapt to constant ongoing challenges.

Six Crucial Abilities

Strategic leadership requires operating with two different perspectives. You must look “outside in” by focusing on external ...

About the Authors

Steve Krupp is CEO of Decision Strategies International, a consultancy which executive chairman Paul J.H. Schoemaker, founded. Schoemaker’s books include Decision Traps and Winning Decisions, and he’s also research director of the Mack Institute for Innovation Management at the Wharton School. Krupp’s work has been published in Harvard Business Review, Harvard Management Update and Chief Learning Officer Magazine.

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D. A. 4 years ago

Great read. Worth you time!
https://www.getabstract.com/en/summary/winning-the-long-game/23751?dfs=ksaburarxcrmoxgijcnkxebyoefuie&rf=XHCWZNCQBT&utm_campaign=share&utm_source=getAbstract&utm_medium=link
D. A. 4 years ago

Great read! Time well invested!
G. N. 8 years ago

Great!

Steven Krupp and Paul J.H. Schoemaker