100 Product Strategies

#42: Actionable Tactics to Navigate the 'Messy Middle' of Strategy with John Cutler

Mar 6, 2024

Exploring the challenges of strategy in the 'messy middle' with guest John Cutler. Topics include team alignment, defining solid strategies, and the importance of clear communication. Dive into strategic thinking, making informed decisions, and the impact of product management strategies on company success.

54:39

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Episode guests

John Cutler

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Distinguish between strategy deployment and strategy itself for effective communication.

Cascade the real strategy through leaders to maintain integrity and depth.

Identifying different frames of strategy can enhance understanding and communication.

Deep dives

Strategy Deployment vs. Strategy

One common pitfall is the confusion between strategy deployment and strategy itself. Strategy deployment involves communication, branding, and making the strategy understandable to everyone, whereas strategy focuses on deciding what parts of a complex problem to hold constant. It is crucial to differentiate between the two to ensure clear communication and effective execution.

Introduction

2min

Navigating the Complexity of Strategic Thinking

14min

Strategic Bets and Decision-Making

25min

Navigating the Value and Impact of Product Management Strategies

2min

Navigating Strategy with Automated Yeses and Noes Analogy

2min

Strategic Clarity and Communication

6min

Navigating Strategy Frames and Graceful Simplicity

4min

Strategy is messy. It’s happening simoulteaneously at different levels, with different lenses, different time horizons, among many other stakes at play.

My guest in this episode, John Cutler, has a remarkable ability to bridge the world of theories with what we actually face down the road when executing. Together, we unravel the intricacies of the 'messy middle,' that challenging space between lofty company aspirations and the day-to-day grind of teams.

The conversation was extremely valuable to me, because it brought actionable ideas to complex topics like:

helping team think bigger and wider,
what is important to define to have a solid strategy,
how to (or not to) align,

and many more topics.

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100 Product Strategies

#42: Actionable Tactics to Navigate the 'Messy Middle' of Strategy with John Cutler

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Strategy Deployment vs. Strategy

Cascade the Real Strategy through Leaders

Frames of Strategy

Graceful Simplicity in Strategy Communication

Importance of Automated Yeses and Noes

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts