The Art and Discipline of Strategic Leadership

Mike Freedman
McGraw Hill £21.99
ISBN: 007141066X

In this book Mike Freedman argues that it IS possible to think and act strategically, even in an age of increasing pace, flexibility, responsiveness and agility. He urges senior executives to force themselves to take the longer term perspective that strategic leadership demands, and then goes on to offer hard headed practical advice on how they can evaluate anticipated future market-place dynamics as part of the process of developing and then implementing an appropriate strategy for their company.

The book presents a 5 phase approach which combines analysis, diagnosis, formulation and implementation:

• Gathering and analysing strategic intelligence
• Crafting the strategy
• Developing implementation plans
• Taking action
• On-going monitoring, reviewing and updating

The process orientated model focuses on asking the right questions about the organisations current strategic health and the strength and quality of its leadership team - those responsible for strategy implementation.

There is a range of practical examples drawn from leading organisations from around the globe including: Hallmark Cards, Hong Kong & China Gas Company, Lockheed Martin Space Operations, The Savoy Hotel Group, The Labour Party and The Bank of Ireland.

Some of these organisations simply needed minor adjustment to their current strategy; other were looking for major change - such as entering new markets with new products. Freedman embeds his lessons in reality by offering insight into how the various leadership teams grappled with the key strategic challenges.