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The New Strategist summary
Günter Müller-Stewens
Shape Your Organization and Stay Ahead of Change
24 mins
Brief summary
The New Strategist by Günter Müller-Stewens is a guide that helps leaders understand how to create innovative strategies in today's constantly-changing business environment. It provides valuable insights and practical advice on how to develop effective strategies and implement them successfully.
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The New Strategist
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Key idea 1 of 7
Strategists in today’s world have to consider values and meaning, not just profit.
If you asked an executive at Nippon Telegraph and Telephone – the world’s top company in 1990 – what its purpose was, the answer you’d be most likely to hear is profit. What else could it possibly be?
Nowadays, companies like Apple and Google are at the top. And the combined value of the top 3 in 2018 was actually eight times higher than in 1990. But for the new big names, success is about much more than the financial gains.
The key message here is: Strategists in today’s world have to consider values and meaning, not just profit.
Maximizing profit alone just doesn’t cut it anymore. People increasingly expect social responsibility from companies. And strategy has to reflect that.
So before even getting to the specifics of the business, the first thing to consider is the underlying philosophy – which has to be a humanitarian one in today’s world. That means it has to start from the idea that the purpose of companies is to serve people.
That’s because no one really believes anymore that material wealth alone is what motivates us. As humans, we all have a desire for dignity and equality, and we expect our work environment to reflect that. We want companies to provide us not just with nice things, but with meaning and a vision of the future.
Consider companies like Google or Lego. It’s not just their colorful interior design or attractive architecture that account for their success. The difference is in the spirit. People who work there feel fulfilled by their jobs; it makes them feel like a part of something bigger – and even that they’re making the world a better place.
That desire for meaning can’t be ignored.
And for strategists, it means optimizing the benefit created by the company in line with these values. How can this happen?
Well, a useful first step is to get clear about the purpose of the company in concrete terms. To help with this, the strategist can ask: to whom is the company responsible and what benefit do we want to create for them?
And a good way to structure the answer is to apply the time-honored stakeholder management approach. The idea behind it is that companies should be led in line with the interests of their stakeholders.
Who are your stakeholders?
They are the people or groups who get something out of the company and who influence it in return. The list goes on from the obvious like owners and customers to employees and suppliers and even to society as a whole. The question for the strategist is how these groups can be prioritized.
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What is The New Strategist about?
The New Strategist (2020) is a practical guide on how to do strategy for business leaders. It explains what strategy work looks like in the day-to-day life of a company, shows the competencies that strategic leaders need, and lays out the tools that help strategists in their craft. It also explores the ways that strategists need to adapt to a changing world and provides the principles they can use to be successful leaders.
The New Strategist Review
The New Strategist (2013) is a valuable book that explores the intricacies of strategic management and provides actionable insights for business leaders. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It offers a comprehensive overview of strategic concepts, frameworks, and tools, equipping readers with the knowledge to make informed decisions.
- By analyzing real-world case studies and providing practical examples, the book bridges the gap between theory and practice, making it highly applicable.
- With its clear and concise writing style, the book keeps readers engaged and avoids the pitfalls of traditional academic texts.
Who should read The New Strategist?
- Managers who want to sharpen their strategic skills
- Anyone who would like to be a strategic leader
- Everyone curious about how successful businesses are led
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The New Strategist FAQs
What is the main message of The New Strategist?
The main message of The New Strategist is about developing effective strategies for success in a changing world.
How long does it take to read The New Strategist?
The reading time for The New Strategist varies based on individual reading speed, but it typically takes a few hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The New Strategist a good book? Is it worth reading?
The New Strategist is worth reading for its insights into strategic thinking and adaptability. It offers valuable perspectives for navigating complex business environments.
Who is the author of The New Strategist?
The author of The New Strategist is Günter Müller-Stewens.
What to read after The New Strategist?
If you're wondering what to read next after The New Strategist, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Good Strategy, Bad Strategy by Richard Rumelt
- The First 90 Days by Michael D. Watkins
- The Leader Habit by Martin Lanik
- Measure What Matters by John Doerr
- Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey A. Moore
- Myths of Strategy by Jérôme Barthélemy
- The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton Christensen
- How to Lead Smart People by Arun Singh and Mike Mister
- What Philosophy Can Teach You About Being a Better Leader by Alison Reynolds
- Your Brain on Porn by Gary Wilson