Smarter Execution: Seven steps to getting results

Appendix . Epilogue: A double-edged strategy

‘However beautiful the strategy,’ Winston Churchill said, with a knowing gleam in his eye, ‘you should occasionally look at the results.’ Churchill was probably talking about statecraft at the time, not business management, but his words ring equally true to us. It has been our goal, via this book, to raise attention to the double-edged nature of strategy. On the one hand, strategy is a major responsibility of senior managers, one that can be exciting and possibly even revolutionary. Thus, we understand and salute all the marvellous accolades bestowed upon strategic leaders around the world by media and academic authorities who focus intently on the making of a strategic vision. However, too often, ...