Management Tip of the Day: 2 Strategic Choices You Have to Make

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile MAY 2, 2013 2 Strategic Choices You Have to Make Every business leader should be able to create a good strategy. Think of it as the intersection of two critical dimensions: where to play and how to win there. First, decide the regions, customer segments, product categories, and channels in which you will operate. Strategy is about doing some things and not others, so make clear where you won't play as well. Then, find a distinctive way to win on your chosen playing field. Going to the same market with the same strategy as your competitors is a terrible move. Choose specific activities that are different from your competitor's. For example, if your competitor leverages its supply chain to have the fastest delivery cycle, don't try to compete on speed. Instead, focus on customer experience or product quality. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "The Two Choices to Make in Strategy" by Roger Martin. Watch the video and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT Playing to Win: How Strategy Really Works HBR Press A.G. Lafley and Roger Martin — one of the most successful business duos of the past century. With Lafley at the helm of P&G during its renowned turnaround and Martin as his strategic partner and adviser, they helped to double P&G's sales and push both profits and market value through the roof. Now it's time for you to take a page from their strategy playbook. PLAYING TO WIN, available now. It's the book everyone is talking about. "Strategy lessons, 101..." — Financial Times. "a fascinating tale..." — The Economist. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Use Your Online Network to Test Ideas Prepare Stories for Your Job Interview Walk at Your Next Meeting 3 Elements of Great Communication Before Your Next Salary Negotiation, Do Your Homework Don't Bore Your Audience with Your Writing Give Up Email Altogether Keep Innovation Jams Small and Focused Avoid Visual Clichés When Presenting Find Out How Skilled a Job Candidate Really Is All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations Ebook + Video Case Study HBR's 10 Must Reads on Leadership HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Introducing Mobile ManageMentor Powered by the proven content of Harvard ManageMentor™ iTunes >> Android >> UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2013 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)