One of the hallmarks of a great teacher is to communicate and disseminate seemingly complex ideas in a simple manner. Professor Martin accomplishes this brilliantly in this video.

c2b b2c

10 ай бұрын

This Canadian Professor appears to be well grounded both in language and business. The tack or approach he has taken to expand on the term 'strategic planning ' or how he is staking out the difference between him and others on the understanding of the relationship of two words 'plan' and 'strategy' in business terms does not sound right. Now let me say why I beg to differ with him. First off, since for different contexts more often than not the use of 'plan' and 'strategy' together is widely understood in business terms, as they are meant to lay more emphasis on the word 'strategy', world business community is absolutely fine with it. Plan, or plans, planning or action plan here may refer to a number of or group of or set of tasks or activities drawn up for a project. 'Strategy' here may refer to the elaborate mechanics of accomplishing that group of tasks to reach its objectives and goals set ahead as part of the plans. To give you an example, say you have a parcel of land. Now, you have made a plan to grow wheat on it, you expect to get 200 tons of wheat given the size of your land. Next up, you develop a 'strategy' - meaning how you want to achieve your objectives and goals. So, since these two words 'plan' and 'strategy' hang well together and they have so close relationship between them in business terms, the 'strategic planning' or 'strategic plans' makes perfect sense, because they embody a well-organized work-plan or set of tasks with well-thought out of mechanics of accomplishing those activities for success. Given the fact that he is living within a much smaller population, his knowledge is limited in scope. Apparently, he is in no position to extrapolate his idea to us. The bottom line is that this Canadian professor is absolutely in the wrong about the term 'Strategic Planning'. Jahid, a Bangladeshi-Canadian, also, a Business Marketing Graduate. Thank you.

Bryce Ashcraft

10 ай бұрын

@c2b b2c Thanks for your perspective.

c2b b2c

10 ай бұрын

@Bryce Ashcraft You're very welcome.

SUKH

6 ай бұрын

He dis

I worked as strategist for more than 10 years, most of which in leading positions, and attended Oxford & Harvard programs on strategy, I read one of the best books in strategy "Good Strategy/Bad Strategy", but this brilliant 9 minutes video taught me many lessons in a very simple way. Thank you Prof. Roger Martin.

I’m not sure why this video was recommended to me, but it resonates with my work. I’m an instructional designer who used to be a curriculum designer, and I always explained the difference as curriculum design (CD) being the “what” and instructional design (ID) being the “how”. What I will say now is that CD is the plan and ID is the strategy. Thank you!

This is better than attending a Harvard MBA class. Brilliant lesson! Thank you Prof. Roger Martin!

colder

Жыл бұрын

It’s actually not brilliant. A plan is a strategy. They are the same definition. It the intention to achieve an aim. Learn.

Shawn

Жыл бұрын

In other HBR Video, it says strategy is a plan to create values. That said, I think they are saying the same thing; just planning won’t get things done but to plan with intentions to achieve specific goals will.

Beth Romelus

Жыл бұрын

@colder Planning is a process. A to-do list. Strategy is a series of insights and actions to accomplish a goal. Strategy is more specific for a certain goal.

Henry Chan

Жыл бұрын

Actually I want to attend after watching. Okay.

Jahmani

Жыл бұрын

What he described is one company having a better or a more successful strategy than the others, rather than the difference between strategy and planning.

What I have learned from this : Planning - ' what I need to do' Strategy - ' What are my desired outcomes and how to get there?' So strategy has a component of goal and process ( how to get there), meaning having a stategy means you are exercising 'system thinking.'

maj373

Жыл бұрын

You forgot the "why"

1c7

Жыл бұрын

thanks, i wasn't about to watch this but i wanted to know the tldr

Icke

Жыл бұрын

@maj373 Tell me Why

maj373

Жыл бұрын

@Icke you need to state why you are doing anything and then define what you should change and then how you will change it to get the results from why.

I've never heard a simpler and illuminating explanation of the difference between strategy and planning, thanks a lot for sharing!

This is a fantastic presentation by all standards. Thanks to the internet for the things we learn from professionals from several miles away.

Χριστακης Κυριακου

10 ай бұрын

Αααα

thanks for this!!! i'm in the middle of writing 3 books at the same time. it feels much more like strategizing and much less like planning. I'm constantly adjusting details and making sure the characters' choices fit the strategy. or i guess the head canon in this case. and this definitive separation of strategy versus planning is actually really helping me work out those kinks. so thank you!!!

This was absolutely great! I am about to start a micro-manufacturing business. A single-page strategic outline will help me to both explain to people what I want to achieve AND manage the progress with an eye toward our end goal. Thank you so much! Tim

My takeaway : Strategy gives you skin in the game, it is long-term and sets you on a path for iterative plans over a duration of time. Planning is post-natal care that leads to Implementation of strategy.

Michael

Жыл бұрын

Are you saying there can't be planning without strategy?

x

5 ай бұрын

but youre making a mistake: you are inherently saying plan is execution and strategy isn't, which is wrong. Plans live within the strategy but they are more focused on enabling capabilities and management systems to be realised. The front end of the strategy is primarily based around imagination and hypothesis.

Incredibly well said and I love how you point out that it should feel uncomfortable. Even working for an internal department where our only customer is the business, strategy is still about how we organize as a group of people to deliver value. Planning is figuring out how we're actually going to execute those things. Too often the strategy step is skipped completely.

Takeaways: 1. Strategy and planning are not the same thing. Strategy involves making integrative choices that position you on a playing field of your choice in a way that you win. 2. A great strategy must have a coherent theory, be doable, and be translatable into actions. 3. Planning does not require coherence, but it is comfortable because it involves the resources you can control. 4. Strategy requires putting yourself out and specifying an outcome that involves customers wanting your product or service enough that they will buy enough of it to make the profitability that you'd like to make. 5. You do not control the customers, which makes strategy a trickier task. How: 1. Start by identifying the playing field you want to be on. Determine where you can win. 2. Develop a theory as to why this playing field is the right one for you to be on. 3. Determine how you will win on this playing field. What can you do to serve the customers on this playing field better than anyone else? 4. Translate your theory and choices into concrete actions. Imagine: Think of strategy as a map. The map has to show you where you are and where you want to go. It should also show you the terrain and the obstacles you may encounter along the way. Without a map, you'll be lost, and without a strategy, you'll be directionless. Why: 1. Strategy involves making integrative choices that position you on a playing field of your choice in a way that you win. 2. A great strategy must have a coherent theory, be doable, and be translatable into actions. 3. Planning is comfortable because it involves the resources you can control. 4. Strategy requires putting yourself out and specifying an outcome that involves customers wanting your product or service enough that they will buy enough of it to make the profitability that you'd like to make. 5. You do not control the customers, which makes strategy a trickier task. Perspective: 1. Instead of focusing on the activities you want to engage in, focus on the outcomes you want to achieve. 2. Instead of listing a set of activities that sound good, identify a set of choices that will make you win on the playing field you choose. 3. Instead of trying to control the customers, focus on serving them better than anyone else. What: 1. Focus on a specific market segment and differentiate from competitors. 2. Keep the business model simple and streamlined. 3. Use a clear and concise strategy that is easy to communicate and understand. 4. Accept uncertainty and take calculated risks. 5. Continuously monitor and adjust the strategy based on the changing environment. How: 1. Fly point-to-point instead of hub-and-spoke. 2. Use only one type of aircraft to simplify operations. 3. Avoid offering meals on short flights to reduce costs. 4. Encourage customers to book online to save money. 5. Avoid booking through travel agents to reduce costs. imagine: Southwest Airlines chose to navigate through a less crowded and less risky path in the airline industry. They chose to fly point-to-point instead of the hub-and-spoke model used by major carriers, which is comparable to taking a direct flight instead of making multiple stops. They also focused on using only one type of aircraft, which is like having a specialized tool for a specific task. By keeping their business model simple and streamlined, they were able to reduce costs and offer lower prices to customers. Case: To apply these principles and tactics to your own situation, you need to first identify your target market and differentiate yourself from your competitors. Simplify your business model and focus on one or two key strengths that set you apart. Use a clear and concise strategy that is easy to communicate and understand. Take calculated risks and accept uncertainty, and continuously monitor and adjust your strategy based on the changing environment. Why: 1. Flying point-to-point reduces aircraft waiting time and increases efficiency. 2. Using only one type of aircraft simplifies operations and reduces maintenance costs. 3. Avoiding offering meals on short flights reduces costs and increases efficiency. 4. Encouraging customers to book online reduces costs and increases convenience. 5. Avoiding booking through travel agents reduces costs and allows for direct communication with customers. Perspective: 1. Southwest's success is a result of taking a different approach to the airline industry and offering a unique value proposition to customers. 2. Southwest's business model is an example of the importance of simplicity and efficiency in achieving success. 3. Southwest's success can be attributed to their ability to continuously monitor and adjust their strategy based on the changing environment. What: 1. Flexibility: A good strategy is flexible and adaptable to changes in the environment or circumstances. 2. Clarity: A clear understanding of the end goal and how to achieve it is crucial for a successful strategy. 3. Focus: A strategy must prioritize and focus on the most important objectives to avoid spreading resources too thin. 4. Agility: The ability to act quickly and make decisions under pressure is necessary for a successful strategy. 5. Resourcefulness: A good strategy utilizes available resources effectively and efficiently. 6. Innovation: Innovative thinking is necessary to create a unique and effective strategy. 7. Risk management: Risk assessment and mitigation strategies should be incorporated into the overall strategy. How: 1. SWOT analysis: Evaluate strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to create a strategic plan. 2. Competitive analysis: Identify competitors, their strengths and weaknesses, and how to differentiate from them. 3. Market segmentation: Divide the market into groups and create targeted strategies for each segment. 4. Branding: Develop a strong brand identity that aligns with the overall strategy. 5. Differentiation: Identify unique selling points to differentiate from competitors. 6. Marketing mix: Use the 4 Ps (product, price, promotion, and place) to develop a comprehensive marketing strategy. 7. Continuous improvement: Regularly evaluate and adjust the strategy to ensure it remains effective. Imagine: Think of strategy as a roadmap to your destination. Without a roadmap, you may get lost or take longer to reach your destination. However, if you stick too strictly to the roadmap, you may miss out on more efficient or scenic routes. The key is to have a flexible plan that allows for detours and adjustments as needed, while still keeping the end goal in sight. How: 1. Identify your goals and objectives 2. Evaluate your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats 3. Identify your target audience and segment the market 4. Develop a unique value proposition and differentiation strategy 5. Create a comprehensive marketing strategy utilizing the 4 Ps 6. Continuously evaluate and adjust the strategy as needed Why: 1. Flexibility allows for adaptability to changes in the environment or circumstances. 2. Clarity ensures a clear understanding of the end goal and how to achieve it. 3. Focus prioritizes and maximizes the use of resources. 4. Agility allows for quick decision-making and action under pressure. 5. Resourcefulness ensures effective and efficient use of available resources. 6. Innovation encourages unique and effective strategies. 7. Risk management assesses and mitigates potential risks for a successful strategy. Perspective: 1. The importance of understanding your target audience and creating a targeted marketing strategy. 2. The role of innovation in creating a successful strategy. 3. How to balance flexibility and focus in a strategic plan. 4. The impact of risk management on overall strategy success. 5. The benefits of continuously evaluating and adjusting the strategy.

Nick Tarazona

5 ай бұрын

What: 1. Focus on the bigger picture: Strategy is about identifying and prioritizing the long-term goals and objectives of an organization or individual, and then developing a plan to achieve them. 2. Agility and adaptability: Strategy must be flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances, as it is impossible to predict the future with absolute certainty. 3. Competitive advantage: Strategy must take into account the strengths and weaknesses of the organization or individual, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the competition, to create a sustainable competitive advantage. 4. Resource optimization: Strategy must make the best use of available resources to achieve the desired outcomes. How: 1. Identify the key challenges and opportunities facing the organization or individual. 2. Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the organization or individual. 3. Identify the competition and their strengths and weaknesses. 4. Develop a plan to leverage the organization or individual's strengths and exploit the weaknesses of the competition. 5. Continuously monitor and adjust the plan as circumstances change. Imagine: Think of strategy as a journey. You need to know your destination, the route you will take to get there, the obstacles you will face along the way, and the resources you will need to overcome those obstacles. How: 1. Identify your long-term goals and objectives. 2. Analyze your strengths and weaknesses. 3. Identify potential obstacles and opportunities. 4. Develop a plan that leverages your strengths and overcomes your weaknesses, while taking advantage of opportunities and minimizing risks. 5. Continuously monitor and adjust your plan as circumstances change. Why: 1. Planning alone does not guarantee success, as plans can become outdated or irrelevant. 2. Strategy focuses on the bigger picture and provides flexibility and adaptability. 3. Strategy takes into account the strengths and weaknesses of the organization or individual and the competition, creating a sustainable competitive advantage. 4. Strategy makes the best use of available resources, optimizing the chances of success. Perspective: 1. Personal: Strategy can be applied to an individual's personal goals and objectives, such as career advancement, financial stability, or personal development. 2. Business: Strategy is a crucial component of business success, helping organizations achieve their goals and stay ahead of the competition. 3. Military: Strategy has been used in military operations for centuries, helping commanders to win battles and wars. 4. Sports: Strategy is often employed in sports, with coaches developing game plans to defeat the opposing team.

ስነ ስርዓት24!

3 ай бұрын

Keep on

Bo Xoffisa

4 күн бұрын

Wow. These are good. Thanks mate.

I’m not even into businesses and entrepreneurship or any related field but I learnt so much from this. Tragic we don’t learn something like this in school.

Hoagers

4 ай бұрын

you would learn (not "Learnt") these things if you attended college, K-12 is only there to hopefully teach you basic learning skills, NOT particluar ideas, concepts, or prepare you for real life. K-12 should be teaching you how to learn NOT what to learn

Shaurya Sunildas

4 ай бұрын

@Hoagers I totally see your view bro. Well said.

That was a fantastic explanation! Thanks HBR! I think I need to retool my brain to thinking strategically rather than planning, despite the fact I’m not a manager. But one day I hope to go into management and this idea of strategy will help.

in summary, strategy involves external elements and uncertainty whereas planning does not. And strategy focuses on preparing to win whereas planning focuses on completing a checklist of work.

Sulaiman Rosid

10 ай бұрын

Good

Renosance

2 ай бұрын

Thank you.

howdydutt1e

Ай бұрын

You left out a lot 😂

fluid content

18 күн бұрын

The word planning yes. The discipline… no.

Ross Fraser

11 күн бұрын

The simple distinction is that is plans end in competition while strategy ends in victory. For example, if I plan to build a house, this will involve external elements and uncertainty, but its still only a plan. Victory only occurs once you have defeated someone or thing. Simple test, you claim you have won but can you point out who you have defeated.

This is my favourite HBR video. I finally understand the difference between strategy and planning. Excellent explanation with practical steps, thank you! 🙏🏾

fluid content

Жыл бұрын

DM me if you want a more correct understanding. This talk was well meaning but flawed.

kejar metaverse

Жыл бұрын

@fluid content how is it flawed?

AddictedFoolGamer

Жыл бұрын

@fluid content Someone will end up saying the same about your talk 😄

Cheby Chvse

Жыл бұрын

@fluid content why not just spit it out right here buddy..?

fluid content

Жыл бұрын

@AddictedFoolGamer I welcome it. It’s not meant as a dig at all. I like Roger and his work. My thinking on strategic planning comes from 30 years of experience in the industry. I love a great debate but this is not really debatable. Since it’s inception in the UK people have been practicing strategic planning but it’s gotten further and further away from its purity. Especially here in the states. That’s all I’m saying. It’s a beautiful process when you really understand and use it properly.

Strategy is a roadmap or plan that establishes your goals and the actions or steps needed to achieve the end goal. These guiding principles should be shared throughout the organization to help your company reach its objectives

When I was in college in the 90's, strategic management and planning was my favorite course and the one class I got the most out of in college. It explained these concepts in this video. What was so troubling that 10 years later, I would listen to all these supervisors, managers, directors, execs, and other higher ups literally talk planning as it was suppose to be their strategy. Even now, I cringe when I hear a Director or other higher up discuss their plans as if they strategies. My most frustrating higher up I had was someone that insisted that we, as employees, had to memorize our departments principles as part of some kind of strategic plan. To say the least, I kept my head down and basically hid from the guy his entire tenure because I wasn't doing it and it was a pure waste of my time.

motofunk

Жыл бұрын

Ah yes, telling people what to think rather than teaching them how to think.

c2b b2c

10 ай бұрын

Let me guess, you are in Canada and are referring to those members with positions of authority who were with Canadian companies. I happened to work in Canada for some Canadian corporate companies and in America for a few American corporate companies, mostly in the retail line, and I found every one of them - supervisors and managers with Canadian companies so out of touch with ethical values, skills in management, knowledge in human-relation, business operations, and strategic planning; above all, they all have had very little or no regards to social audit, labor code, employee-rights and to other stakeholder's interests.

Song

10 ай бұрын

Well said!

Erik Dalin

7 ай бұрын

*their

As a startup, this was incredibly helpful! Thank you for guiding us to look further than the checkboxes.

Well presented, easily understandable difference between strategy and planning using great examples. Thank you!

I was reading and watching about strategy more than 14 years. This video completely revolutionized how I saw it. Now, I can think strategically. Thanks Prof. Roger Martin

Excellent lecture of Professor Martin! Simple, clear and objective.

Before I started my business, I kept asking myself what I could offer that could not be easily achieved by my competitors. I believed I had found my 'iron bowl', so I built my business around it and never looked back. I haven't paid much thought to it since, but looking back, it was definitely the most impactful decision I've made. I could've EASILY been just another fish in the sea. That said, I'm a chronic planner. I love finding ways to plan for things that normally don't need plans. Coming up with a strategy was just a part of my business plan.

This makes sense, I always had that theoretical mindset of doing things which turns out to be the strategy.. But always people like to see planning which is just steps to take to do things to accept your ideas. This explanation has confirmed my own understanding of what strategy is, and the final part where he said it should be short makes even better.

c2b b2c

10 ай бұрын

This Canadian Professor appears to be well grounded both in language and business. The tack or approach he has taken to expand on the term 'strategic planning ' or how he is staking out the difference between him and others on the understanding of the relationship of two words 'plan' and 'strategy' in business terms does not sound right. Now let me say why I beg to differ with him. First off, since for different contexts more often than not the use of 'plan' and 'strategy' together is widely understood in business terms, as they are meant to lay more emphasis on the word 'strategy', world business community is absolutely fine with it. Plan, or plans, planning or action plan here may refer to a number of or group of or set of tasks or activities drawn up for a project. 'Strategy' here may refer to the elaborate mechanics of accomplishing that group of tasks to reach its objectives and goals set ahead as part of the plans. To give you an example, say you have a parcel of land. Now, you have made a plan to grow wheat on it, you expect to get 200 tons of wheat given the size of your land. Next up, you develop a 'strategy' - meaning how you want to achieve your objectives and goals. So, since these two words 'plan' and 'strategy' hang well together and they have so close relationship between them in business terms, the 'strategic planning' or 'strategic plans' makes perfect sense, because they embody a well-organized work-plan or set of tasks with well-thought of mechanics of accomplishing those activities for success. Given the fact that he is living within a much smaller population, his knowledge is limited in scope. Apparently, he is in no position to extrapolate his idea to us. The bottom line is that this Canadian professor is absolutely in the wrong about the term 'Strategic Planning'. Jahid, a Bangladeshi-Canadian, also, a Business Marketing Graduate. Thank you.

Great lecture! This can be applied to so many other areas of life other than business or accelerating airtraffic!

Thank you very much Professor, people can't do things that excess their abilities while they just start a safe "plan". I have to win in my stage. Mind, Creativity, Logic, Implement.

Excellent video! I especially like the SouthWest example after the recent catastrophe they suffered with over 90% of their flights being cancelled due to weather and their unique flying system. I think it really illustrates weighing the risk and reward of building a strategy.

I can’t believe this invaluable lesson is accessible to many at virtually no cost. Roger is an excellent speaker. Incredible work😌🙏

This is so good. So basically, in other words, planning is about designing/creating something (which might end up being not what you really want) while strategy is about navigating towards what you really want. I feel like planning is a bit more distant from reality than strategy.

If you are in a mad hurry, pick up at 8:27 and hit the mind blowing summary with a drop-the-mike ending! Plan for the win. Don't plan to be busy. These are worlds apart, and this video is a very thoughtful dive into the difference.

Gail Manigsaca

9 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

Angelic Frequency

7 ай бұрын

Appreciate your comment

Wkw8ka

7 ай бұрын

Yep, it's really thought-provoking.

Very simple yet comphrehensive. Thanks for providing clarity on plan and a strategy. I am sure there are many things that we have to un-learn and re-learn in the right way.

I think another feeling while doing the strategy is excitement. The feeling when you actually see that there is a possibility of winning! Amazing video btw! Thank you 🙏

Clear and concise. For some reason, we've been taught to develop a "planning mindset" rather than a strategic one. This short lecture has just unlocked a new worldview for me; a new way of building my ventures.

Absolutely loved this! Will be using this as a topic of discussion for my class tonight!

In a past life working at a corporation they’d run us through multiple classes run by consultants. Several times these consultants encouraged us to “think outside the box” when we tried that management quickly shut us down. It took me a while to understand that managements job was to minimize risk even though those actions reduced profitability and sales

Watching Roger Martin's video on strategy is like having a private session with a world-class strategist. His insights are so clear and practical, yet profound.

You just freed my mind to explain a strategy I’ve developed but have been unable to articulate succinctly! Thank you for making this video!

I've been working on EPM (Enterprise Performance Management) for a few years now, and I find this disconnect between strategy and planning quite often. Fantastically well summarised in this video. Loved it.

What a masterclass! I feel much more prepared to be working in HR and corporative culture after that, like I finally know what to cultivate.

I appreciate this excellent bite-size video which is much better than attending a whole year-long MBA class. So clear and easy to absorb and understand. I particularly love the idea of accepting the angst as this is the hardest point I used to convince the management when I challenge them. We need a strategy, not a plan!

c2b b2c

10 ай бұрын

This Canadian Professor appears to be well grounded both in language and business. The tack or approach he has taken to expand on the term 'strategic planning ' or how he is staking out the difference between him and others on the understanding of the relationship of two words 'plan' and 'strategy' in business terms does not sound right. Now let me say why I beg to differ with him. First off, since for different contexts more often than not the use of 'plan' and 'strategy' together is widely understood in business terms, as they are meant to lay more emphasis on the word 'strategy', world business community is absolutely fine with it. Plan, or plans, planning or action plan here may refer to a number of or group of or set of tasks or activities drawn up for a project. 'Strategy' here may refer to the elaborate mechanics of accomplishing that group of tasks to reach its objectives and goals set ahead as part of the plans. To give you an example, say you have a parcel of land. Now, you have made a plan to grow wheat on it, you expect to get 200 tons of wheat given the size of your land. Next up, you develop a 'strategy' - meaning how you want to achieve your objectives and goals. So, since these two words 'plan' and 'strategy' hang well together and they have so close relationship between them in business terms, the 'strategic planning' or 'strategic plans' makes perfect sense, because they embody a well-organized work-plan or set of tasks with well-thought out of mechanics of accomplishing those activities for success. Given the fact that he is living within a much smaller population, his knowledge is limited in scope. Apparently, he is in no position to extrapolate his idea to us. The bottom line is that this Canadian professor is absolutely in the wrong about the term 'Strategic Planning'. Jahid, a Bangladeshi-Canadian, also, a Business Marketing Graduate. Thank you.

C Raven

4 ай бұрын

@c2b b2c Roger Martin was the Director for the global consulting firm Monitor for 13 years (Monitor was in part established by renowned competitive strategy and Harvard academic Michael Porter). He has tons of international experience.

Strategy, as the esteemed professor explains, may have some external variables while planning is mostly involved with internal set of actions. All strategic actions will require planning but not all planning need strategy , I guess :)

joe mama biden

Жыл бұрын

strongly agree

Love this. It has saved my career. I was now feeling like "no"one can hear me. Cause I have been of the mindset, that one needs to give themselves and their business the best shot possible and that is scary since it is extremely speculative, yet it is more of something to trust and believe in......as this video suggests, that is strategy.....My confidence is back..

k:soonsoon

Жыл бұрын

Love it. Congrats and success to you!!!

I’ve read your book. The strategy model you’ve created is outstanding and break from the traditional models out there. Easy and straight forward. Thanks Roger :)

Robert Toal

Жыл бұрын

Which book is that? Do you have a title? I'd like to check it out. Thanks.

Even a plan set with SMART goals or strategy is doable and possible. Implementation within the limits is the most important part of all of that . I've seen a lot sink badly in the ocean of implementation.

I was taught that strategy is one or two simple concepts that the whole team can understand and apply, which will help get them into a better position to ultimately win the game. But in an open game of business or life, these can be the mindsets that help you and the team to get to the next better position of opportunities. Currently studying for my MBA and believe there needs to be more clarity between strategy and general analysis. Great to hear someone who has the same idea. I believe I will be referencing a lot of Roger Martin's work for the remainder of my master's. Many thanks!

This is just brilliant! Thanks a lot HBR and Professor Roger Martin. Great piece of knowledge!

Thanks for this great lesson helping to differentiate between Strategist vs Planner 👍👍👍👍

This is a great presentation, thank you. It fits along with the concept that if you're not incurring some risk, you're not going to win. Or to extend that, if you're only managing the expense side of a business, you're eventually going to lose. It's a slow downward spiral to lowest cost for commodity production, at best.

Very very insightful comments about the difference between planning and strategy. I have often wondered why when I plan things, it often doesn't happen, but when I just do it without a plan, I am able to make a difference. I have felt a plan is a nice to have rather than a requirement. Prof Martin's talk has made me realize why this is. Actually, a plan is a good thing, but it is secondary to a way to win in what we are trying to accomplish, be it clean up an out of control room in one's apartment to starting a new company. Many thanks for this great talk.

c2b b2c

10 ай бұрын

This Canadian Professor appears to be well grounded both in language and business. The tack or approach he has taken to expand on the term 'strategic planning ' or how he is staking out the difference between him and others on the understanding of the relationship of two words 'plan' and 'strategy' in business terms does not sound right. Now let me say why I beg to differ with him. First off, since for different contexts more often than not the use of 'plan' and 'strategy' together is widely understood in business terms, as they are meant to lay more emphasis on the word 'strategy', world business community is absolutely fine with it. Plan, or plans, planning or action plan here may refer to a number of or group of or set of tasks or activities drawn up for a project. 'Strategy' here may refer to the elaborate mechanics of accomplishing that group of tasks to reach its objectives and goals set ahead as part of the plans. To give you an example, say you have a parcel of land. Now, you have made a plan to grow wheat on it, you expect to get 200 tons of wheat given the size of your land. Next up, you develop a 'strategy' - meaning how you want to achieve your objectives and goals. So, since these two words 'plan' and 'strategy' hang well together and they have so close relationship between them in business terms, the 'strategic planning' or 'strategic plans' makes perfect sense, because they embody a well-organized work-plan or set of tasks with well-thought out of mechanics of accomplishing those activities for success. Given the fact that he is living within a much smaller population, his knowledge is limited in scope. Apparently, he is in no position to extrapolate his idea to us. The bottom line is that this Canadian professor is absolutely in the wrong about the term 'Strategic Planning'. Jahid, a Bangladeshi-Canadian, also, a Business Marketing Graduate. Thank you.

Don't know how this video popped up in my suggestions but it definitely gives me clarity in the most simplest way for me to be successful in all I do. Thank you!

Wow! Strategy focuses on desired outcome, acknowledging the angst that while the outcome is out of our control if we lay out our logic and are willing to tweak it we increase our chances at winning

Good video, this is a massive issue in the finance/banking world, so much planning that does nothing for the customers or the company.

I know this is supposed t be about winning and losing in the corporate world, but it rings very true for personal goals and life in general. Further, it seems remarkably sane, without all of the flailing busywork and failed promise often associated with "planning". I am retired and have been wrestling with goals and dreams for the rest of my life. This video makes so much sense, keeps things simple and is reminiscent of Occam's Razor: the simplest, clearest answer is often the correct one. Unlike most of YT and the Net, this was very useful. Thank you.

Christopher Pokarier

5 ай бұрын

'flailing busywork'.. what a wonderful description! Around me everywhere here in Japan!

Roger Martin is an excellent communicator. This breakdown of strategy vs planning was explained without any buzzy jargon and packed full of useful information.

Great points. Sometimes, people run straight to planning before identifying the "why" and "how", as an organization. I concur, that strategy is the basis of thought which leads to great plans of action ,and moreover, reduces uncertainty. By considering the current state of business, it's capabilities and/or the best applicable approach, realistic and desired plans can ensue.

Thank you! Straight, short, clear and encouraging explanation.

One of the best Leadership related videos I've seen this year! Brilliant! Thank you!

100%. I seem to have spent most of my years in senior management - commercial and non-profit - fighting against the fudge of "strategic planning", which results in neither strategy nor planning being done well, let alone in harmony. In particular, for non profits, attention to strategy shines an essential light on the organisation and its purpose. I suggest that many non-profits tend to systematise themselves from the bottom up - as they develop from the first simple, informal "let's do something about this" initiative into a more structured, long-term organisation. Each layer of organisational thinking - planning (including OD), strategy, mission and up to vision - tends to be considered and added only if and when the status quo becomes blatantly unmanageable or problematic, or if it is demanded by a board or funder. As a result, these are seen not as fundamental building blocks for an effective organisation, providing essential focus and clarity internally and externally, but as unwelcome, time-consuming chores, diverting energy from the organisation's real business. And inevitably, working from bottom upwards throws up many instances where the sum of the parts does not add up to a coherent whole, yet there is no higher logic by which to order the parts better or broker objectively between competing local interests. Making the time to stand back, and to consider and develop these layers of organisational thinking from top down - ie the other way, strategically - is possibly one of the most valuable things a non-profit can do to ensure its sustainability. It enables organisations to be as clear about what they don't do as about what they do (so helping avoid mission creep). It crystallises the "hymn sheet", giving the whole team a common understanding and language, and the brand the power of consistency. Each layer, if done properly, provides a powerful overarching logic for decision-making at the layer below it, making the whole process faster, simpler and better.

The most simple way to learn the distinction and the most deep fundamentals at the same time 👍🏻

thank you, prof. Roger Martin. This video is the best way to explain the difference between strategy and plan. Now, I know why I always do the planning, not the strategy, because it was controllable but not guaranteed to win the competition.

This is an amazing lecture!! It clears many things.

This is a great lesson to us all. It's certainly made me think how I am taking things forward with more of a strategy, than a plan!! Thank you.

A strategy is how often it can accept changes due to market conditions; and still can win!! ~ Very Difficult for novices but not an issue for Matured Players.~ I like your style of explanation.

I saw someone saying this was their favourite HBR video. For me it's not just HBR, it inspired me so much, this is my favourite video EVER. Watched it 3x already to engrave it into myself and will probably do it a few more times :) Thank you for this amazing content

Mr Martin is right to separate the "why" from the "how". Too often there is insufficient thought and explanation of the "why". However he needs to recognise the "why" won't be achieved without the plans being put into place and delivered. I would suggest that rather than creating a disconnect between strategy and plans it would be better to explain how plans should be better linked into, and supportive of a well thought and articulated strategy. In short plans needs outcomes not just objectives and the control process should be monitoring for the delivery of the outcomes - providing action management to ensure the plans support the strategy. In my experience it is the implementation of strategy where failure occurs rather than the strategy itself.

C B

Жыл бұрын

Yet, wrong. Strategy without a plan is a wish list. Plans without strategy are "to do" lists. Hence---"strategic planning". Which forces you to identify WHERE resources will come from, WHEN they are needed in a strategy, and WHO will provide them, etc. If all you know is HOW and WHY, you will blow up like all of the companies run by MBAs and Biz school wiz kids. Consider this: every major economic blunder of the 20th and 21st centuries was the creation of a "prestigious" biz school. From the Recession in 1903 to the 2008 recession and including the so called Great Depression, the same group of geniuses both caused them and extended them. There is a discipline called strategic planning and it ties together all of the lines necessary; WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHO, HOW, and WHY. Of course, what would a professor know about it? No risk in the safe spaces of the modern "academic" setting, eh?

dee tee

Жыл бұрын

@C B I take your point ( and agree ) but a bit harsh

c2b b2c

10 ай бұрын

This Canadian Professor appears to be well grounded both in language and business. The tack or approach he has taken to expand on the term 'strategic planning ' or how he is staking out the difference between him and others on the understanding of the relationship of two words 'plan' and 'strategy' in business terms does not sound right. Now let me say why I beg to differ with him. First off, since for different contexts more often than not the use of 'plan' and 'strategy' together is widely understood in business terms, as they are meant to lay more emphasis on the word 'strategy', world business community is absolutely fine with it. Plan, or plans, planning or action plan here may refer to a number of or group of or set of tasks or activities drawn up for a project. 'Strategy' here may refer to the elaborate mechanics of accomplishing that group of tasks to reach its objectives and goals set ahead as part of the plans. To give you an example, say you have a parcel of land. Now, you have made a plan to grow wheat on it, you expect to get 200 tons of wheat given the size of your land. Next up, you develop a 'strategy' - meaning how you want to achieve your objectives and goals. So, since these two words 'plan' and 'strategy' hang well together and they have so close relationship between them in business terms, the 'strategic planning' or 'strategic plans' makes perfect sense, because they embody a well-organized work-plan or set of tasks with well-thought out of mechanics of accomplishing those activities for success. Given the fact that he is living within a much smaller population, his knowledge is limited in scope. Apparently, he is in no position to extrapolate his idea to us. The bottom line is that this Canadian professor is absolutely in the wrong about the term 'Strategic Planning'. Jahid, a Bangladeshi-Canadian, also, a Business Marketing Graduate. Thank you.

This is absolutely gold. Every organisation I have ever worked for/with needs this priceless 10 mins.

This was packed with nuggets of wisdom. I agree, although progressing in business and coming up with a strategy can get tedious, it's totally worth it.

I am an incessant maker of to-do lists, so naturally, the title of this video piqued my curiosity. This is wonderfully informative. What excites about it, is that I can see it being hugely useful not only for a business, but also for an individual attempting to realise personal goals.

Very, very smart presentation. Way too many planners out there in management, not nearly enough strategic thinkers.

Thank you for the great video! Concise, and to the point!

Brilliant just brilliant ❤️ in 6 min you cleared my entire thought process. I consider myself to be a brilliant planner but over time I have stopped relying on planning, as I came to the conclusion it is the random nature of world which makes most plans fail. And since I dropped a fundamental belief of my life( Planning is good). I have been struggling with conflicts of within myself. I watched this video twice just to have a more intense exposure to what you were saying. Just bought your book on audible. Thank you 👍

dee tee

Жыл бұрын

Planning is good, it is just not everything in business and life. Plan, but be prepared and have a mindset to change it quickly

Thank you so much for this amazing lesson!

I loved every single minute of this video. Martin has such a unique way of breaking down daunting subjects into accessible and actionable components. For everyone that enjoyed this, definitely go read the very concise "Playbook for Strategy" by Roger Martin, et al. It's incredible how a single piece of writing has forever changed how I approach business and evaluate new opportunities. It's a necessary bible for anyone looking to build anything valuable.

c2b b2c

10 ай бұрын

This Canadian Professor appears to be well grounded both in language and business. The tack or approach he has taken to expand on the term 'strategic planning ' or how he is staking out the difference between him and others on the understanding of the relationship of two words 'plan' and 'strategy' in business terms does not sound right. Now let me say why I beg to differ with him. First off, since for different contexts more often than not the use of 'plan' and 'strategy' together is widely understood in business terms, as they are meant to lay more emphasis on the word 'strategy', world business community is absolutely fine with it. Plan, or plans, planning or action plan here may refer to a number of or group of or set of tasks or activities drawn up for a project. 'Strategy' here may refer to the elaborate mechanics of accomplishing that group of tasks to reach its objectives and goals set ahead as part of the plans. To give you an example, say you have a parcel of land. Now, you have made a plan to grow wheat on it, you expect to get 200 tons of wheat given the size of your land. Next up, you develop a 'strategy' - meaning how you want to achieve your objectives and goals. So, since these two words 'plan' and 'strategy' hang well together and they have so close relationship between them in business terms, the 'strategic planning' or 'strategic plans' makes perfect sense, because they embody a well-organized work-plan or set of tasks with well-thought out of mechanics of accomplishing those activities for success. Given the fact that he is living within a much smaller population, his knowledge is limited in scope. Apparently, he is in no position to extrapolate his idea to us. The bottom line is that this Canadian professor is absolutely in the wrong about the term 'Strategic Planning'. Jahid, a Bangladeshi-Canadian, also, a Business Marketing Graduate. Thank you.

Very illuminating lecture. I am enlightened and on the way to become a billionair. Thank you professor.

Based on this video, I think strategic planning is a thing and it is possible. The challenge is that many are not implementing the way it should be done. I've studied, taught and most importantly, been involved in strategic planning with a multi billion dollar company and it works. Strategic planning is like a combination of both strategy (the thought, vision) and planning (for execution). Strategy also includes reviewing the results obtained from the execution of the plan and putting measures which primary includes problem solving techniques to guarantee improvement and growth. Strategy in and of itself may not obtain as much results as a well developed and implemented strategic plan. The good news about a strategic plan is that it is a living process that evolves with time and experience.

c2b b2c

10 ай бұрын

I agree with you. Here's my comment. This Canadian Professor appears to be well grounded both in language and business. The tack or approach he has taken to expand on the term 'strategic planning ' or how he is staking out the difference between him and others on the understanding of the relationship of two words 'plan' and 'strategy' in business terms does not sound right. Now let me say why I beg to differ with him. First off, since for different contexts more often than not the use of 'plan' and 'strategy' together is widely understood in business terms, as they are meant to lay more emphasis on the word 'strategy', world business community is absolutely fine with it. Plan, or plans, planning or action plan here may refer to a number of or group of or set of tasks or activities drawn up for a project. 'Strategy' here may refer to the elaborate mechanics of accomplishing that group of tasks to reach its objectives and goals set ahead as part of the plans. To give you an example, say you have a parcel of land. Now, you have made a plan to grow wheat on it, you expect to get 200 tons of wheat given the size of your land. Next up, you develop a 'strategy' - meaning how you want to achieve your objectives and goals. So, since these two words 'plan' and 'strategy' hang well together and they have so close relationship between them in business terms, the 'strategic planning' or 'strategic plans' makes perfect sense, because they embody a well-organized work-plan or set of tasks with well-thought out of mechanics of accomplishing those activities for success. Given the fact that he is living within a much smaller population, his knowledge is limited in scope. Apparently, he is in no position to extrapolate his idea to us. The bottom line is that this Canadian professor is absolutely in the wrong about the term 'Strategic Planning'. Jahid, a Bangladeshi-Canadian, also, a Business Marketing Graduate. Thank you.

Strategy is the main goal and it has a philosophical meaning and to achieve this goal it must be built on small short term plans and maneuvers and responsive with current position , and to make these plans done perfectly you must have skills and tactics about your field whatever it is .

Funny that this video is recommended to me now as I’m writing my team’s plan for next year. My manager asked me for a “strategy plan,” and I immediately separated the two concepts in my template. Great video with one exception: Southwest never used an A330 😊

Avoiding the planning trap is interesting. So many founders get stuck due to the angst you talk about! "You can't prove in advance that a strategy will succeed." Well said.

Absolutely spectacular and insightful. Thank you so very much for sharing. Short, to the point, informative, and inspirational!

Thank you for sharing.Sometimes ideas you just shared are just enough to trigger another person to formulate another idea that might make our world a better place.Again thank you.

As an athlete I always looked at planning as weird. A strategy allows you to go impromptu and gain both flexibility and mobility...which shatters plans

Saadia Shariff

Жыл бұрын

I agree me too i found planning as very hard to come with, i always know what i want but planning fot it is the biggest challenge for me. Thanks for this video

Interesting, since I face this regularly at work. Another word for strategy is vision and that is where it is often missing. Plans can also be synonymous as procedures and this always mires people who are either not observant enough or brave enough to break out of it. You combine the two and most workplaces have leaders that do not provide a vision and / or strategy while the people on the front lines are only planning within the procedures rather than exploring new options. Resulting in companies that slowly repeat mistakes or failing practices until they can no longer sustain themselves. Blockbuster comes to mind.

c2b b2c

10 ай бұрын

This Canadian Professor appears to be well grounded both in language and business. The tack or approach he has taken to expand on the term 'strategic planning ' or how he is staking out the difference between him and others on the understanding of the relationship of two words 'plan' and 'strategy' in business terms does not sound right. Now let me say why I beg to differ with him. First off, since for different contexts more often than not the use of 'plan' and 'strategy' together is widely understood in business terms, as they are meant to lay more emphasis on the word 'strategy', world business community is absolutely fine with it. Plan, or plans, planning or action plan here may refer to a number of or group of or set of tasks or activities drawn up for a project. 'Strategy' here may refer to the elaborate mechanics of accomplishing that group of tasks to reach its objectives and goals set ahead as part of the plans. To give you an example, say you have a parcel of land. Now, you have made a plan to grow wheat on it, you expect to get 200 tons of wheat given the size of your land. Next up, you develop a 'strategy' - meaning how you want to achieve your objectives and goals. So, since these two words 'plan' and 'strategy' hang well together and they have so close relationship between them in business terms, the 'strategic planning' or 'strategic plans' makes perfect sense, because they embody a well-organized work-plan or set of tasks with well-thought of mechanics of accomplishing those activities for success. Given the fact that he is living within a much smaller population, his knowledge is limited in scope. Apparently, he is in no position to extrapolate his idea to us. The bottom line is that this Canadian professor is absolutely in the wrong about the term 'Strategic Planning'. Jahid, a Bangladeshi-Canadian, also, a Business Marketing Graduate. Thank you.

the8u9

10 ай бұрын

@c2b b2c I'm interested in what you are saying but am not 100% certain I get it. Can you clarify your idea? :)

c2b b2c

10 ай бұрын

@the8u9 Thank you for asking me to give a clarification. Well, let me lead off by saying the way how this Canadian professor has demonstrated his understanding of ‘Strategic Planning’ to discredit its validity seemed to be based on his misguided idea of the meaning and significance of the term ‘Strategic Planning’. Like I said before, to put it in perspective, he has been living in Canada not in the USA, his knowledge in business education would be relatively limited in scope; population size, education standards, academic research scopes, success-histories, strengths of innovation and intellectual assets, world’s positive attitudes and more are taken into consideration to lend weight to give credibility to a theory, so the odds are stacked against him. It looks like, his skewed views that have been the reasons behind a feeling of unease to persist among some can mislead them into thinking something that ‘strategic planning’ is a misnomer. In fact, ‘Strategic Planning’ refers to ‘plans with strategy including its contingency plan’. If you are familiar with this business term ‘tactical planning’, it will add some more sense to your understanding of ‘strategic planning’, then it will be half the battle for me. There are a plenty of references to them (tactical planning and strategical planning) in scores of business-text books. In the military sphere, tactics refers to the use of armed forces in engagements what boils down to the meaning of “planning”, while strategy refers to the use of engagements what boils down to “how to do” to achieve the objectives of the war. The complementary nature of ‘strategy’ and ‘plans’ has defined their intertwined existence. Anyway, like ‘strategic planning’ you can find many similar terms - ‘strategic thinking’, strategic management, ‘strategic approach’, and the like in Marketing, Management, and Business Administration disciplines.

A very simple way of explaining the difference between the two as well as making it abundantly clear what makes some successful, while others are busy and content to be running in a hamster wheel

TLDR; think of planning as a list of goals, think of strategy as bullet points under those goals on how they should be achieved and interconnected with your other goals

Explained in such a simple manner that leaves no ambiguity in our minds. Thank you!

Finally somebody talking sense, i deal with management so comfortable with the certainty of planning, its hard to get them out of the confort zone into a real strategy with uncertainty

This is brilliant. Simple, clear, concise and clarifies what Strategy is. Now to find some books by Roger Martin.

Such an informative video I will start applying more strategies in my life as opposed to plans Thank you 🌷

A B

Жыл бұрын

Nope...evwry strategy needs a plan...every plan does not need strategy

Correct ! Base on my working experiences: - A plan is defined as a series of things doing to get the small goals for each time - A strategy is defined after having SWOT analysis to target the big goals.

Strategy is the specifics on why and the how to implement the long term plan. Love it!

Great video, you shared a clear message about what strategy is Thank you

explained in 10 mins better than 10 books on strategy, thank you!

this guy is a genius....and then ppl wanna complain they cant do anything when this is literally free...this lesson alone can help your business get to 100k/year...

vishal anita dadaso

Жыл бұрын

🙌🙏

Medicusofthedamned

Жыл бұрын

Sure

Kasdim Fer

Жыл бұрын

Only 100k profit? man, and i thought my 170k engineering job was demeaning for earning so little.

The information provided is first-rate. Thank you. It is critical for a business to grasp the difference between having a plan and having a strategy.

c2b b2c

10 ай бұрын

This Canadian Professor appears to be well grounded both in language and business. The tack or approach he has taken to expand on the term 'strategic planning ' or how he is staking out the difference between him and others on the understanding of the relationship of two words 'plan' and 'strategy' in business terms does not sound right. Now let me say why I beg to differ with him. First off, since for different contexts more often than not the use of 'plan' and 'strategy' together is widely understood in business terms, as they are meant to lay more emphasis on the word 'strategy', world business community is absolutely fine with it. Plan, or plans, planning or action plan here may refer to a number of or group of or set of tasks or activities drawn up for a project. 'Strategy' here may refer to the elaborate mechanics of accomplishing that group of tasks to reach its objectives and goals set ahead as part of the plans. To give you an example, say you have a parcel of land. Now, you have made a plan to grow wheat on it, you expect to get 200 tons of wheat given the size of your land. Next up, you develop a 'strategy' - meaning how you want to achieve your objectives and goals. So, since these two words 'plan' and 'strategy' hang well together and they have so close relationship between them in business terms, the 'strategic planning' or 'strategic plans' makes perfect sense, because they embody a well-organized work-plan or set of tasks with well-thought out of mechanics of accomplishing those activities for success. Given the fact that he is living within a much smaller population, his knowledge is limited in scope. Apparently, he is in no position to extrapolate his idea to us. The bottom line is that this Canadian professor is absolutely in the wrong about the term 'Strategic Planning'. Jahid, a Bangladeshi-Canadian, also, a Business Marketing Graduate. Thank you.

Indeed. It comes down to carefully looking at the seven aspects of business that enable a business to be purposefully understood. For each of the aspects there are four questions to ask: what are the facts; how are they unique; what could that uniqueness mean for future value creation; and what do we expect/want in the future. Effectively, what Roger Martin says comes down to integrating what you learn at business school in one case-specific thought exercise. Essential stuff.

This is the difference between Tesla/Musk (strategy) vs legacy auto manufacturers (planning). Great lesson Prof. Martin. Thank you.

Your strategy needs a plan to translate and break into actionable points with a timetable. Plans and budgets should not be independent of the strategy; they must reflect the strategy and work towards its achievement.

Yep. I frequently sit in meetings called strategic planning, and it’s no more than a list of projects. I’ve brought this up repeatedly, to the very smart person leading it, no avail. My conclusion is that he either doesn’t think he/we have the ability to craft a strategy, or he thinks it’s not worth it because he doubts we can implement a strategy.

Most managers don’t know the differences between strategy, tactics, operations, logistics and diplomacy. Of course you plan for each; you do so in a way that is integrated with the other elements, often changing along the way depending on the situation and new intel.

camgere

Жыл бұрын

I usually start the list with objectives. All are interrelated and you will likely have to correct your way to the end, as reality presents itself. Diplomacy is a nice addition as most situations involve other people.

Thomas To, the Taichi Guy

Жыл бұрын

@camgere Yes, and defining objectives is part of strategy. Before defining objectives, one has to answer the existential question: why do this thing in the first place? What is the whole point of having and running this business, govt agency, community, army, school, family, etc.?

BSP

Жыл бұрын

Most officials in Washington don’t know the difference either. We just do things - like supporting Ukraine or Taiwan rather than building the relationship with Russia and China - without explaining how that serves our strategic interests.

Khaled Alharbi 🇸🇦

Жыл бұрын

@Thomas To, the Taichi Guy The answer for all whys is human needs and wants.

I've been hearing "strategic planning" for quite some time, and I get confused each time, thanks a lot for this video it is insightful!