Category Archives: Strategy

Service Without A Smile?

Posted on August 20, 2018 by Sam Martin

We’ve just returned from an enjoyable family holiday on the Algarve. Staying at the Penina Hotel near Alvor, I had a week of golf with my wife and three sons. I’ve played less than a dozen rounds over the … Continue reading →

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Business Rocks: 115 to 6

Posted on May 17, 2018 by Stuart Cross

This week’s focus: One of my key messages to my clients is the need to focus on their big priorities. Too many organisations get bogged down in vain attempts to move a million ‘strategic’ projects forward, rather than concentrating on the … Continue reading →

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Making Innovation A Way Of Life

Posted on April 18, 2018 by Stuart Cross

In my experience, 70% or more of the attention of most senior executives is devoted to problem-solving, and up to 40-50% of it is on ‘fire-fighting’, resolving big, urgent issues as they arise. If you wish to gain a stronger … Continue reading →

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The Benefits of a #1 Goal

Posted on March 21, 2018 by Stuart Cross

Every organisation I’ve ever known or worked with has had a myriad of goals, objectives and targets. The trouble with too many competing objectives, however, is that it results in unnecessary confusion and complexity. When I work with my clients … Continue reading →

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Do Less, Achieve More: How To Reach Your Goals At The Speed Of Light

Posted on March 1, 2018 by Stuart Cross

It takes a photon of light a little over 8 minutes to reach the earth after it leaves the sun’s surface. In the vacuum of space, the photon literally travels at the speed of light over the 150 million km … 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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11 Ways To Achieve More From Your Strategy Off-Sites

Posted on January 29, 2018 by Stuart Cross

We’ve all been there. The annual strategy away day is a fixture for many management teams. And yet, all too often, these sessions generate more heat than light. Real breakthroughs are remarkably thin on the ground. Over the years, I … 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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The 5 Questions Your Strategy Should Answer

Posted on January 9, 2018 by Stuart Cross

What is a strategy? This seemingly simple question can lead to a wide variety of answers. Some people will tell you that it’s a vision. Others will say it’s a plan of action. While others will talk about having a … Continue reading →

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Forget Brexit, Focus on Brexcellence: 4 Strategies To Drive Growth in 2018 and Beyond

Posted on January 4, 2018 by Stuart Cross

Whatever your views about the ongoing Brexit discussions, there can be little argument that the situation is creating uncertainty for UK businesses and their leaders. A slow-down of economic growth, falling house prices and sales, a devaluing currency and rising … Continue reading →