The global economy is constantly evolving and presenting new challenges for businesses. To survive and thrive in this dynamic environment, organizations need to adopt a strategic mindset and a leadership approach that can help them adapt and innovate. This is the core idea of the book Strategy as Leadership: Facing Adaptive Challenges in Organizations, written by Roberto Vassolo and Natalia Weisz, professors at IAE Business School in Argentina.
Strategy as Leadership: A New Framework
The book proposes a new framework for understanding and practicing strategy and leadership in organizations. The authors argue that strategy is not just a plan or a goal, but a way of leading and influencing others to achieve a shared vision. Strategy as leadership involves:
- Recognizing patterns of change and opportunity in the environment
- Developing a clear and compelling purpose that guides the organization
- Mobilizing resources and capabilities to create value for stakeholders
- Engaging and empowering people to execute the strategy
- Learning and adapting to feedback and results
The book also provides tools and methods for applying the strategy as leadership framework, such as the strategic compass, the strategic canvas, the strategic dialogue, and the strategic dashboard.
Why Strategy as Leadership Matters
According to the authors, strategy as leadership is essential for organizations to navigate the complex and uncertain world of today. They cite several examples of companies that have used this approach to achieve remarkable results, such as:
- Microsoft, which transformed its culture and business model under the leadership of Satya Nadella, who focused on creating a growth mindset, fostering collaboration, and empowering innovation.
- Sonoco, which reinvented itself from a traditional packaging company to a diversified global provider of consumer and industrial solutions, driven by a clear purpose of “Better Packaging. Better Life.”
- Wharton School, which leveraged its academic excellence and global reach to become a leader in online education, offering high-quality courses and programs to learners around the world.
The authors also warn that failing to adopt a strategy as leadership perspective can lead to serious consequences, such as:
- Losing relevance and competitiveness in the market
- Missing opportunities for growth and innovation
- Facing resistance and conflict within the organization
- Suffering from low morale and performance
How to Apply Strategy as Leadership
The book is intended for leaders, managers, consultants, educators, students, and anyone interested in learning how to create and implement effective strategies in organizations. The authors suggest that readers can use the book in different ways, such as:
- Reading it cover to cover to gain a comprehensive understanding of the strategy as leadership framework
- Skimming through it to get an overview of the main concepts and ideas
- Focusing on specific chapters or sections that address particular challenges or interests
- Using it as a reference or a guide for developing and executing strategies
- Sharing it with others to spark discussions and collaborations
The book also includes case studies, exercises, questions, and reflections that can help readers apply the strategy as leadership principles to their own contexts and situations.
Strategy as Leadership: Facing Adaptive Challenges in Organizations is a timely and valuable contribution to the field of strategic management. It offers a fresh and practical perspective on how to lead organizations in a changing world. By combining theory and practice, it provides insights and tools that can help businesses achieve their goals and create positive impact.
