How to avoid painful strategy mistakes II

Last week, we explored the six strategy traps.

This week, I want to share a cheat sheet to help you fine-tune your strategy.

I hand this cheatsheet to the executives I work with when we start working together.

And I think it might be helpful for you too.

Print it.

Post it next to your desk.

Obessess about getting it right.

Find it below: (or download)

Let’s recap:

Mindful CEOs know the common traps they can fall into with their strategies.

They look out for these six signs that they are stuck in a “strategy trap.”

Watch out for these 6 strategy traps:

 1. The “Do It All” Strategy:

You fail to make choices. Everything becomes a priority.

Solution: Strategy is choice. Take daring sets of choices to win.

 2. The “Don Quixote” Strategy:

You attack competitive “walled cities.” You go after the strongest competitor first.

Solution: Pick where you play. Pivot to where you have a chance to win.

 3. The “Waterloo” Strategy:

You start wars on multiple fronts at the same time.

Solution: Doing too many things weakens focus. Focus on fewer, impactful efforts.

 4. The “Something for Everyone” Strategy:

You attempt to capture all consumers/channels/geographies /categories at once.

Solution: To create real value, choose to serve some constituents really well.

 5. The “Dreams Never Come True” Strategy:

You develop high-level aspirations and mission statements that never translate into action.

Solution: Choose where to play and how to win carefully.

 6. The “Program of the Month” Strategy: 

You settle for the same as your competitors: the same customers, the same strategy, the same choices. You look like everyone else. 

Solution: Obsess about your unique value.

Where have you fallen for a strategy trap?

Let me know, and just answer this email.

Yours,

P.S. Leading is hard. Here is how I can support you to lead yourself and your organization:

1. A la Carte Executive Training:

Each year, I support a few leaders & their organizations in transforming into more resonant versions of themselves. Want to be coached by me? Want to apply the models you are reading here in your leadership? Say hello.

2. The Yearly Reflection Space for Leaders:

Put yourself on the waitlist for my 2025 "Wise Leadership Retreat.“ You can apply here. 

3. A Beautiful Mind for Executives

If you want to train your mind with deep training from science and meditation traditions, this one is for you. My virtual “A Beautiful Mind Course” for Executives. Train here.

4. A CEO Playbook library with the best of Management and Leadership:

I scan the best of leadership literature and mindfulness so my clients can focus on what matters most—building a thriving organization. My client's CEO Playbooks library features the best management and leadership theory. You can have exclusive access here.

PPS: And because you deserve it - here is your bonus.

My 10 “Most Popular Mini Leadership Guides”:

Thanks for reading.

• Did you enjoy this mail?

• Is there a topic you want to read?

• Would you like to see anything changed?

Just reply to this mail. I will get back to you.

Enjoy the newsletter?

Please forward this to a pal. It only takes 18 seconds. Making this one took 12 hours.

See you next Monday,