Category Archives: Strategy

Actions Speak Louder Than Plans

Posted on July 17, 2017 by Stuart Cross

Dylan, my oldest son, has been noodling with the guitar for a couple of years now. He can now play a few songs and a couple of licks. When I ask him if he wants to improve, he tells me … Continue reading →

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The Innovation Imperative

Posted on July 13, 2017 by Stuart Cross

There was a time, not that long ago when companies didn’t necessarily have an innovation-related objective on their strategic agenda. Instead, they would, for example, be focused on reducing costs, expanding geographically or creating operational excellence. It wasn’t that product … Continue reading →

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How To Develop A Business Strategy In 48 Hours

Posted on July 10, 2017 by Stuart Cross

The creation and delivery of a business strategy is a Sisyphean act; it is never-ending. It is developed in formal meetings and corridor conversations and is delivered through major change projects as well as the daily conversations between your customers … Continue reading →

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Strategy Is A Contact Sport (Part 1)

Posted on June 29, 2017 by Stuart Cross

This is the fifth in a series of articles that builds on my strategy manifesto that I posted a couple of weeks ago. As a consultant myself I know that, done well, working with external consultants can add real value … Continue reading →

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25 Ways to Lead Your Market

Posted on June 21, 2017 by Stuart Cross

In yesterday’s post – see here – I set out that you had to be #1 in your market, in some form, or risk your ability to grow and thrive. But what are the different ways you can lead your … Continue reading →

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#1 or Gone: Why You Must Become A Market Leader

Posted on June 20, 2017 by Stuart Cross

Which airline is the #1 player? If you ask this question in the USA, you’ll probably find that Southwest Airlines is the leader, while in Europe it’s Ryanair. If you look at long-haul flights then Singapore Airlines is often passengers’ … Continue reading →

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Remember, Nothing Fails Like Success

Posted on June 15, 2017 by Stuart Cross

Many companies struggle and fail, not because they are bad at what they do, but because they are great at what they do. Look at Kodak, for example. Its decline didn’t result from the company being poor at film processing. … Continue reading →

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The Customer’s Not Always Right, But That’s The Way To Bet

Posted on June 13, 2017 by Stuart Cross

In dynamic, turbulent and fast-moving markets, driven by almost unbelievable technological advancements, you can easily become distracted by the noise and activity in your markets and forget this critical business truth. You do so at your peril. Like a party … Continue reading →

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Strategy Is Like Football – They Both Need A Goal

Posted on June 8, 2017 by Stuart Cross

This is the second in a series of articles expanding on my recent post, Strategic Power: A Manifesto to Revolutionise Growth.   When I coach my junior football teams and we’re doing passing exercises, the boys can quickly lose enthusiasm. … Continue reading →

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The Truth Can’t Hurt You

Posted on June 7, 2017 by Stuart Cross

This is the first in 12 short articles expanding on my recent post, Strategic Power: A Manifesto to Revolutionise Growth A relatively little-known 1980s Elvis Costello song, I Want You, has these lines: The truth can’t hurt you It’s just … Continue reading →

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