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HBR IdeaCast

Why You Need to Stress Test Your Strategies (and Tactics)

Jun 4, 2024
Consultant and adjunct professor Arjan Singh discusses the importance of stress testing strategies through corporate war games. He highlights the benefits of disciplined scenario planning to identify risks, innovate, and enhance strategic thinking. Singh's approach helps leaders navigate competitors, market dynamics, and unexpected events by testing how their strategies hold up.
28:39

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Quick takeaways

  • Corporate war gaming helps stress test strategies by simulating competitive scenarios and competitor actions.
  • War gaming at different organizational levels aids in market positioning, competitive advantage, and decision-making.

Deep dives

The Concept of Corporate War Gaming

Corporate war gaming is a strategic planning technique borrowed from the military that allows companies to stress test their strategies by simulating competitive scenarios. Unlike traditional scenario planning, war gaming involves considering not only possible outcomes but also the likely actions of competitors and stakeholders. By delving deeper into competitor actions and responses, companies can move beyond theoretical exercises to develop actionable strategies that reflect real-world competitive dynamics.

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