HBR Guide to Thinking Strategically (HBR Guide Series)

CHAPTER 2

To Be Strategic, Balance Agility and Consistency

by John Coleman

As a former consultant, I have a deep and abiding love for the use of 2 × 2 matrices in business strategy. My favorites are those that highlight two factors that seem, at first glance, in conflict. I find these particularly relevant to personal development, since individuals often must resolve the tensions between competing values and traits and must carefully monitor their own strengths so those strengths don’t lapse into weaknesses.

I’ve recently been thinking about this with regard to how leaders, and those aspiring to leadership positions, can be more strategic—able to effectively execute the core of their business while remaining open to trends in the market and adapting ...