Chapter 1Strategic Shock Absorbers

The fast, fluid approach that we need to soup up and accelerate strategic planning is not entirely unlike the performance features engineers have built into automobiles over time. In the case of cars, we have become so accustomed to certain crucial design elements that we nearly take them for granted. For example, if you ask someone: why do cars haves brakes? Most people will answer: to stop. If you ask a second question: why do cars have shock absorbers? Most people will respond: for a smoother ride. It turns out that both of these assumptions are wrong.

Cars have brakes so that we can drive faster. If the only way to stop is to plow into something or drag your feet like Fred Flintstone, then the default ...

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