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Lean Strategy

By: David Collis
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Abstract

Strategy and entrepreneurship are often seen as polar opposites. Yet the two desperately need each other: strategy without entrepreneurship is central planning; entrepreneurship without strategy leads to chaos. The two approaches can be reconciled through the Lean Strategy process which ensures that startups innovate in a disciplined fashion and make the most of their limited resources by knowing "what not to do". Deliberate strategy sets the bounds within which entrepreneurial experimentation takes place, while the results of that innovation leads to learning that reshapes the strategy. Lean Strategy enables company builders to pursue viable opportunities, stay focused, and align the entire organisation while supporting front-line entrepreneurial activities.

Keywords

Strategy Implementation; Strategy Alignment; Strategy; Entrepreneurship

Citation

Collis, David. "Lean Strategy." Harvard Business Review 94, no. 3 (March 2016): 62–68.
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About The Author

David J. Collis

Strategy
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More from the Author
  • Group Functions at the Maersk Group By: David J. Collis
  • SimpliSafe—Safe From Disruption? By: David Collis, Felix Oberholzer-Gee and Terrence Shu
  • Corporate Divestitures and Spinoffs By: David J. Collis, Ashley Hartman and Terrence Shu
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