If a strategy meets a goal: It's working. If a strategy meets a target: It's a success.
Michael PorterRead
Sound strategy starts with having the right goal
Interpretation
What this quote means
Effective planning begins with establishing clear objectives.
This quote by Michael Porter emphasizes the importance of setting the right goals as the foundation for any successful strategy. Without well-defined objectives, efforts can become misguided or ineffective, highlighting that clarity in what you want to achieve is crucial for the formulation of an effective plan of action.
Themes
StrategyGoalsPlanningSuccessObjectives
In practice
Example use cases
In a business presentation when discussing strategic planning.
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In a period of economic downturn, the overwhelming instinct is to pare back, cut costs, and lay off. If you do that, do so with your strategy in mind. The worst mistake is to cut across the board. Instead, reconnect and recommit to a clear strategy that will distinguish yourself from others.
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If your goal is anything but profitability - if it's to be big, or to grow fast, or to become a technology leader - you'll hit problems.
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