In this episode, Peter Compo delves into the emergent approach to strategy and discusses the limitations of traditional frameworks using aspirations, plans, and metrics alone. He further discusses the concept of 'killer problems' in innovation and emphasises the importance of a central rule that provides real-time guidance, unifies decisions, and allows for free choice. Complex examples from business and military strategy illustrate how granularization and over-specification can lead to failure, whereas centralized, low-level constraints help create coherence and foster creativity. Peter also explores nested systems and the necessity of having individual strategies for different segments within an organization.

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:25 Limitations of Aspirations, Plans, and Metrics

01:12 The Killer Problems of Change and Innovation

03:04 Framework Components and Their Shortcomings

05:25 The Power of Central Rules

06:45 Challenges in Digital Transformation

10:27 Local vs Global Strategy

13:54 Granularization Problem in Strategy

18:31 The Fallacy of Shrinking Time

22:38 The Hidden Blockers of Transformation

26:11 Introduction to Chapter Five: How Strategy Functions

30:20 Granularization and Cascading Problems

31:13 Identifying and Overcoming Bottlenecks

33:29 Elon Musk's Engineering Approach

35:40 The Importance of Low-Level Rules

41:21 Strategy and Tactics in Warfare

48:46 Nested Systems and Organizational Strategy

54:58 The Role of Leadership in Strategy Implementation

56:23 Conclusion and Further Resources

Link to Peter’s website: https://emergentapproach.com

Link to Peter’s Music: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJsn2zbnx8dwvHJrisdkAtg

Link to Aidan McCullen for Keynotes, workshops and event MC.

https://theinnovationshow.io

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https://thethursdaythought.substack.com

Peter Compo, strategy, emergent approach, aspirations, plans, metrics, innovation, complex adaptive systems, real time guidance, central rule, rule adherence, deviations from diagnosis, decision making, organizational change, digital transformation, investment in new products, granularization, cascading goals, bottleneck constraints, nested systems, military tactics