Crafting a Robust Corporate Strategy: Learnings from Apple’s Ecosystem

Avoid strategic blindness by developing three distinct “sights”

In a typical business environment, the need for robust “sights”—foresight, insight, and cross-sight—often arises from market disruptions, competitive pressure, and growth stagnation. These “sights” become critical tools for executives aiming to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities. Whether it’s leveraging unique assets to fend off competitors or reevaluating strategy due to market changes, these guiding perspectives are essential for informed decision-making and sustainable growth.… Read more

So how long should I keep the strategy?

The short answer to this question is deceptively simple- keep the strategy as long as it continues to work.

But lets look into this further, and with an example from Disney that I discovered in an article in HBR by Todd Zenger and which I have sued in my teaching at SMU.

I love this diagram from 1947. It shows Walt Disney’s original strategy, and importantly, the linkages between the various elements of Disney’s then business.… Read more