In the fast-paced whirlwind of business, the concept of “competitive strategy” may seem intricate, but it can actually be the winning plan in the corporate arena. Deciphering a complex competitive strategy could enable the company to understand market dynamics and outperform the competition.
Keep it simple: the simple approach is the ace in the hole. Sometimes, the most obvious solution is also the best: this is especially true for competitive strategies.
Clearl and effective communication is crucial and avoids uncertainty. For example, Southwest Airlines has adopted a simple message for its campaigns, “Low fares. Nothing to hide”; a direct and understandable concept.
To achieve this goal it is crucial to focus on what is essential. Within a strategy, “cleaning up” means stripping all ancillary activities and focusing only on the core actions that lead to results. Apple is definitely an example of focusing on the essentials, with recognizable products and distinct functionality.
In an ever-changing world, agility is key.
A simple strategy adapts easily to market challenges; think of Google: which started as a search engine, it has expanded its reach in surprising ways while keeping its flexibility intact over time.
A clear strategy also makes the dialogue among a company’s employees smoother and more profitable: when the strategy is clear, every team member can feel involved, and when the team is involved they are also more motivated to take the strategy to the next level. Netflix, for example, has made this concept concrete by offering employees the freedom to make decisions without consulting their superiors. This dynamic led to the creation of an authentic and dedicated team.
Complexity often breeds indecision, and the opposite of indecision is a clear choice: Amazon, for example, initially decided to focus only on online books. The choice was bold but decisive, and over time it allowed the giant to establish a direct path, enabling it to safely expand in several directions, from product sales to streaming services.
Choosing simplicity can, therefore, prove to be a win: decoding competitive strategy not only provides an advantage, but also enables one to navigate the business world with clarity and confidence.
Simplicity is not only an elegant idea, but often proves to be the key to lasting success in the ever-changing business landscape.
