This holds beyond a software/product context. Implicit in the dialectic between company and product strategy is that good company strategy makes choices further downstream clear cut. Not all "good ideas" are good for us - in the strategy. In companies this applies to projects and initiatives as well, where a lack of concise strategy opens the door for anything.
In fact I would consider that a litmus test of any strategy. It should make prioritizing pretty straightforward- if it doesn't, then it's no-existent (to your point) or way to wishy washy.
A topic you don't touch upon much is strategy given context, and a curious case applies to the Blockbuster case. If one takes for granted that the fixed assets in every corner is not going to change, how will having physical locations best netflix? Given how over the same 10-20 years that video rental stores have died, Starbucks, and general themed "hang out" spaces have prospered, including f ex arcades, it's not hard to imagine a strategy where Blockbuster in theory could win segments unavailabke to Netflix. A neon-lit, dirty, boring, non-inviting Blockbuster retail with a grumpy teenager behind the counter is probably not it...
I came across this article on LinkedIn. Great read! So often I get planning documents labeled as "strategy", it's very frustrating.
Thanks. I am glad to hear it's helpful 💪
This holds beyond a software/product context. Implicit in the dialectic between company and product strategy is that good company strategy makes choices further downstream clear cut. Not all "good ideas" are good for us - in the strategy. In companies this applies to projects and initiatives as well, where a lack of concise strategy opens the door for anything.
In fact I would consider that a litmus test of any strategy. It should make prioritizing pretty straightforward- if it doesn't, then it's no-existent (to your point) or way to wishy washy.
A topic you don't touch upon much is strategy given context, and a curious case applies to the Blockbuster case. If one takes for granted that the fixed assets in every corner is not going to change, how will having physical locations best netflix? Given how over the same 10-20 years that video rental stores have died, Starbucks, and general themed "hang out" spaces have prospered, including f ex arcades, it's not hard to imagine a strategy where Blockbuster in theory could win segments unavailabke to Netflix. A neon-lit, dirty, boring, non-inviting Blockbuster retail with a grumpy teenager behind the counter is probably not it...
100%
Of course, we both know how hard the org will fight to not change the status quo.