The 7 Red Flags of Strategy

Most organizations do not fail at execution.
They fail at strategy, then blame execution.

👉 The illusion of strategy is more dangerous than the absence of strategy.
When a strategy is not a strategy.
The organization moves.
Progress seems visible.
Yet the actions do not lead to success.

👉 The business school approach substitutes analysis for judgment.
Frameworks and PowerPoint create the appearance of rigor.
More data is gathered as a way to postpone difficult choices.
The work feels productive.
The thinking remains shallow.

👉 The everybody’s darling strategy avoids making clear choices.
A bit of everything is included so no one is unhappy.
Consensus is mistaken for coherence.
Tough decisions are deferred.
The organization feels aligned.
The strategy remains directionless.

👉 The ivory tower speaks in buzzwords and abstractions.
Obvious challenges are not addressed.
The work floats above daily reality.
Unrealistic objectives are set.
The vision sounds impressive.
The organization cannot reach it.

What these patterns reveal is that weak strategy creates the illusion of progress.

The organization is busy.
The deck is complete.
The launch is announced.
The strategy was never there.

❓ A question I’ll leave you with:
What is one initiative your organization is pursuing that creates the appearance of progress without addressing the real challenge?