100 Product Strategies #42: Actionable Tactics to Navigate the 'Messy Middle' of Strategy with John Cutler
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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.
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Understanding the 'Messy Middle'
- The 'messy middle' is the complex space between daily tasks and long-term company aspirations.
- This zone is where strategic thinking occurs and cause-and-effect links are hardest to see.
Label and Level Up Strategy
- Label and discuss the connections between tasks and long-term goals to navigate the messy middle.
- Encourage teams to think one strategic level higher than their current work to deepen understanding.
Encourage Exploration and Solutions
- Create a safe space and prompt teams to brainstorm multiple ways to achieve impact.
- Embrace early solution discussions to explore different strategic approaches effectively.