The book condenses all the ‘strategic planning’ discussions down to two main points:

1. Figure out the strategy to get where you want to go.
2. Do what you need to do to implement the strategy and get where you need to go.

Most people and organizations can do the first step but never really perform step number two.

Maister uses the example of the Fat Smoker to make his point. As a Fat Smoker (which Maister says he actually was), you know that being overweight and smoking are bad for you and you should do things differently. It’s easier to continue to be a fat smoker than it is to not smoke and lose weight….and this is the road that most people and organizations take.

It is tough work doing the right things to implement a strategy. If your strategy is to lose weight, then you need to do something to actually lose weight (e.g., eat less, exercise, etc). If your strategy is to provide better customer service then you need to do something that ensures that customer service is the top priority within the organization.

This is a great book and worth the read…it’s currently on pre-order at Amazon so jump on the list and reserve yours today.

NOTE: This book was provided by the publisher as an advanced review copy.

[tags] Leadership, strategy, David Maister, Organizations, Strategy and the Fat Smoker [/tags]