4. A great strategist simplifies our lives
Every strategist knows that complexity creates opportunities in the outside world. Why else do you think there are a million different subscription options for your mobile?
Great strategists also know that copying this complexity on the inside will make life for everyone a living hell.
They know that you don’t need a different department for each client segment you approach in the market. They know that internal complexity is the biggest performance killer—as Chris Zook and James Allen from Bain & Company point out in their book Repeatability after extensive research with 1000+ organizations
5. A great strategist tells us stories
Psychologist and researcher Jerome Bruner found that facts are 20 times more likely to be remembered if they’re part of a story.
Stories are powerful because they provide context and create an emotional connection.
In other words, the right story wrapped around an idea makes the core message stickier—easier to remember. A PowerPoint or Excel presentation doesn’t.
That’s why great strategists tell stories.
6. A great strategist digs in
Strategy Execution isn’t something other people should worry about while doing something far more important.
Great strategists know this, and that’s why they have Strategy Execution high on their agenda as well.
They know that if they don’t, PowerPoint will end up catching dust on desks until the next strategy exercise.
Bad strategists show off their strategic thinking skills at every opportunity.
7. A great strategist educates us
Good strategists never brag about their conceptual strengths.
Memorable strategists make it their mission to share their knowledge, educating others on what strategy is all about, and how to ask the right strategy questions.
In short, memorable strategists inspire others to think the unthinkable.
And then—like everyone else—they role up their sleeves and help the organization succeed.
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