Three characteristics of good strategy
1
Quality of strategic thinking
Strategy reflects real choices that clarify what to do - and what not to do. It shapes the future instead of merely extrapolating the past. And it presents an explicit theory of advantage relying on capabilities competitors can't easily match.
2
Operational credibility
The strategy is well understood and can be explained by every team member. It is practical so that everybody understands how their work contributes to success. And it is grounded in reality in that it relies on capabilities the organisation actually possesses - or is at least determined to build.
3
Effective development process
The process can be completed in 4-8 weeks. It is transparent and taps the best brains in the organisation. It fosters creative problem solving, is evidence-based and makes reasoning explicit. The process creates buy-in across the organisation.
Quality of strategic thinking and operational credibility
are reflected in the answers to five key questions
Source: Adapted from "Playing to Win", Roger L. Martin et al.
Effective process creates possibilities, defines conditions, frames next-level choices and maps initiatives
Source: Adapted from "Playing to Win", Roger L. Martin et al.