

#512
Mentioned in 37 episodes
Good Strategy/Bad Strategy
The Difference and Why It Matters
Book • 2011
In *Good Strategy/Bad Strategy*, Richard Rumelt clarifies the distinction between effective and ineffective strategies.
He argues that a good strategy is a specific and coherent response to overcoming obstacles, harnessing power where it will have the greatest effect.
Rumelt debunks elements of 'bad strategy' such as equating goals, motivational slogans, and financial targets with actual strategy.
He introduces the 'kernel' of strategy, which includes a diagnosis of the challenge, a guiding policy, and coherent action.
The book uses diverse examples from business, nonprofit, and military contexts to illustrate these concepts and emphasizes the importance of analytical rigor and focused effort in strategy development.
He argues that a good strategy is a specific and coherent response to overcoming obstacles, harnessing power where it will have the greatest effect.
Rumelt debunks elements of 'bad strategy' such as equating goals, motivational slogans, and financial targets with actual strategy.
He introduces the 'kernel' of strategy, which includes a diagnosis of the challenge, a guiding policy, and coherent action.
The book uses diverse examples from business, nonprofit, and military contexts to illustrate these concepts and emphasizes the importance of analytical rigor and focused effort in strategy development.
Mentioned by



























Mentioned in 37 episodes
Mentioned by
Lenny Rachitsky when discussing different perspectives on strategy and their relationship to
Roger Martin 's framework.



659 snips
5 essential questions to craft a winning strategy | Roger Martin (author, advisor, speaker)
Mentioned by
Lenny Rachitsky in relation to Lane Shackleton 's recommendation of "Good Strategy, Bad Strategy."


310 snips
What sets great teams apart | Lane Shackleton (CPO of Coda)
Mentioned by
Packy McCormick in the context of his reading habits while working on his turnaround strategy for Breather.


97 snips
Not Boring (with Packy McCormick)
Mentioned by Rukmini Reddy as a relevant framework that grounds strategy in actions, focusing on diagnosis, themes, and coherent actions.

23 snips
Essential questions & leadership principles to navigate change, fear & uncertainty w/ Rukmini Reddy #214
Recommended by Javier González Recuenco as a must-read on strategy.

21 snips
#77 Javier G. Recuenco: reguetón, el Sr. Lobo y los corsés de ballena
Mentioned by Barry O'Reilly as his favorite book on strategy, highlighting its comparison of good and bad strategies.

21 snips
Thinking Through Product Strategy with Barry O’Reilly