> This is the first rule of strategy: strategy is contextual.
... Is there any aspect of anything business related that isn't contextual? Tactics are even more contextual than strategy. Optimisation is contextual. Programming is contextual. Sales is contextual. Cleaning is contextual, sometimes people leave contextual notes out saying "don't clean this desk".
The big problem with strategy is it is so contextual that you cannot, in fact, write a general article on "Getting More Strategic". Without a specific context to be strategic in, all that is left is a generic call to make good decisions. Which is a nice sentiment, but void of useful meaning. This article doesn't actually say very much, there is a high rate of platitudes because there isn't any context to talk about.
Strategy is how to decide which tactics to use. If your tactics are polished and well done, basic strategy will be enough. If the tactics are sub-par, I recommend a strategy of learning to execute better.
treetalker•2h ago
Yes, although the author tells us right away that "one of [their] ongoing obsessions" is "how to be seen as strategic". Hence writing the piece and getting it posted on HN.
maffyoo•1h ago
execute what though?
by far the best content on strategy I have read is Peter Compo, a point he repeatedly makes is that the whole execution argument is meaningless without a strategy (and its many tactics, plans, compromises) to execute. So, what are you executing?
andrewflnr•52m ago
Execute basics like making a good product, answering your customer emails, keeping up on the utilities, etc. Basics you know you'll have to do regardless of strategy.
ojbyrne•2h ago
I guess I’m an “under-indexed person” (whatever that is) because I didn’t really enjoy that.
> It’s never been easier to be DDOS’d by the job and think that means we’re doing a good one
Loved this line; a good reminder!
divan•27m ago
I read this book after seeing a lot of recommendations in HN comments, and boy did it deliver. Other Rumelt's books are great too, but this one really reshapes your understanding of such an overused word as "strategy".
roenxi•2h ago
... Is there any aspect of anything business related that isn't contextual? Tactics are even more contextual than strategy. Optimisation is contextual. Programming is contextual. Sales is contextual. Cleaning is contextual, sometimes people leave contextual notes out saying "don't clean this desk".
The big problem with strategy is it is so contextual that you cannot, in fact, write a general article on "Getting More Strategic". Without a specific context to be strategic in, all that is left is a generic call to make good decisions. Which is a nice sentiment, but void of useful meaning. This article doesn't actually say very much, there is a high rate of platitudes because there isn't any context to talk about.
Strategy is how to decide which tactics to use. If your tactics are polished and well done, basic strategy will be enough. If the tactics are sub-par, I recommend a strategy of learning to execute better.
treetalker•2h ago
maffyoo•1h ago
by far the best content on strategy I have read is Peter Compo, a point he repeatedly makes is that the whole execution argument is meaningless without a strategy (and its many tactics, plans, compromises) to execute. So, what are you executing?
andrewflnr•52m ago