The mind of the strategist: the art of Japanese business

Marcus Aurelius once wrote:
“The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”

I think that’s why I like working in strategic transformation so much, it’s all about thinking about turning obstacles into opportunities; being the river around the rock.

In “The Mind of the Strategist, the art of Japanese business” Kenichi Ohmae provides a blueprint for doing just that.

Here are my top 10 key takeaways

🟡 Develop a strategic mindset:
Think beyond immediate challenges. Consider the larger competitive & market context.

🟡 Focus on the customer:
Make customer needs the foundation of your strategic decisions.

🟡 Apply the 3 Cs Framework:
Align your strategy by balancing Customer, Company, and Competitor dynamics.

🟡 Prioritise unique value creatjon: Deliver unique value to foster loyalty and differentiation. If you’re not sure what yours is, do a voice of the customer survey or ask the team at EMARI.co.uk to do it for you (we ask really great questions to inform your positioning & messaging as well as getting tonnes of testimonials & case studies out of them too!)

🟡 Keep it simple:
Clarity in strategy ensures effective communication & execution.

🟡 Embrace adaptability:
Stay agile to pivot when market conditions shift.

🟡 Think long term and don’t steal from the future:
Align strategies with sustainable goals, not just short-term wins.

🟡 Drive innovation through chriosity: Foster a culture where creativity & experimentation thrive.

🟡 Ensure clarity & consistency in communication: Ensure everyone understands & aligns with the strategic vision.

🟡 Learn from failure:
Treat setbacks as lessons to refine & improve future strategies.

Strategic leaders inspire clarity and confidence by simplifying complex plans and effective communication bridges gaps between vision & execution.

Customer-centricity fosters loyalty & drives sustainable growth. Adaptability ensures resilience in volatile markets.

In both business & leadership, obstacles are inevitable,
but with strategic thinking, the risks are fewer and the opportunities are endless.

Data-driven strategic planning is an art as much as it is a science.

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Introduction to Thought Leadership

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What Anne Frank teaches us about leadership