Good Strategy / Bad Strategy

proposed proposed proposed proposed

Also known as: The Kernel · Diagnosis-Guiding Policy-Coherent Action

Real strategy is a diagnosis, a guiding policy, and coherent action — most 'strategy' is fluff and goals.

Strips strategy down to a kernel: identify the crux of the challenge (diagnosis), choose an overall approach (guiding policy), and take coordinated, mutually reinforcing actions. Exposes goal-lists and slogans masquerading as strategy.

Core concepts

The KernelDiagnosisGuiding PolicyCoherent ActionThe Crux

Best when

You can't tell whether your 'strategy' is actually a strategy
Before committing to any motion, to name the real problem

Watch-outs

Diagnosis-first discipline is uncomfortable and often skipped