Category Archives: Growth

There Is No Breakthrough Without Follow-Through

Posted on February 12, 2019 by Sam Martin

  I’m not sure if I made that up or heard it elsewhere, but, whatever the source, it’s true – the hardest part of delivering a breakthrough strategy is the follow-through. Like someone who wants to get fit but is … Continue reading →

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Getting Focused On Focus

Posted on January 7, 2019 by Sam Martin

  One of the most difficult conversations I have with my clients is the need to develop a focused strategic agenda. Most business leaders are optimistic – and a little greedy – and wish to bite off more than their organisation can … Continue reading →

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Overcoming The Fear Of Learning

Posted on September 17, 2018 by Sam Martin

  I am currently reading Fear: Trump in the White House, written by Bob Woodard, the legendary Washington Post journalist. It’s a fascinating insight into the internal machinations and ways of working of President Trump’s top team and their supporting … Continue reading →

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The 5 Principles of Organisational Speed

Posted on August 29, 2018 by Sam Martin

I’ve been reflecting on the fundamentals of organisational speed and distilling the key lessons for businesses to work on. As a result, I’ve pulled together these five principles of pace that could accelerate your growth and success: Be fixed on … Continue reading →

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The Key To A Great Business Strategy

Posted on February 19, 2018 by Stuart Cross

Last week, I met with an old client who shared with me his company’s latest strategy pack. The document, prescribed by the Group Head Office, was 126 pages long and full of analysis, charts, tables, graphs and action plans. There … Continue reading →

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Engagement: The Secret To Performance Acceleration

Posted on January 18, 2018 by Stuart Cross

Towards the end of last year, I was talking to the CEO of a large UK retailer who was bemoaning the lack of progress in delivering his company’s strategic agenda. Earlier in the year, he and his executive team had … Continue reading →

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Don’t Invest In Initiatives, Invest In Strategies

Posted on December 6, 2017 by Stuart Cross

Few companies recognise the power of investing in strategies rather than initiatives. Most companies I know demand detailed discounted cash flow statements for all proposed projects. These projections must show significant payback before the initiative is considered for investment. So what’s … Continue reading →

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The Unbalanced Scorecard

Posted on November 21, 2017 by Stuart Cross

My big problem with the Balanced Scorecard approach to strategy and performance management is that is, well, too balanced. It makes everything of equal importance. In most Balanced Scorecard projects and reports I’ve seen, there is a general assumption that all goals … Continue reading →

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Three Key Factors For Sustained Growth

Posted on November 14, 2017 by Stuart Cross

Last week I ran one of my periodic “Big Breakfast” meetings in London. The topic was “How Failure Can Accelerate Growth”. A dozen business leaders attended, from companies with revenues ranging from around £5 million to £50 billion, and Tim … Continue reading →

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Open To Ideas

Posted on October 3, 2017 by Stuart Cross

We moved into our new house five months ago. The day after we moved in, when there were still boxes on the driveway, I heard a knock at the door. A man, who introduced himself as Shane, told me that … Continue reading →

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