Struths are essential and universally applicable strategic truths. They are principles rooted in proven business wisdom, that guide decision-making, planning, and execution. They are considered self-evident truths that resonate across industries and cultures, providing a foundation for being successful business and organisations.
Characteristics of a Struth
Timelessness: Struths hold true across different eras and economic conditions.
Universality: They apply to various business models, markets, and industries.
Simplicity: Though profound, Struths are often simple and easy to understand.
Actionable: They provide clear guidance for strategic planning and implementation.
Wisdom-Based: Struths are derived from accumulated business wisdom and proven success.
Struths
The strength of the relationships within an organisation determine the success of the organisation
If you can’t name your priorities out of your head then you don't have priorities
People support what the create (derived from Dale Carnegie)
"Human resources" is an oxymoron. People are much more unique and interesting than resources
There are no experts in predicting the future
Telling talented people what to do limits their contribution to your imagination
If your executive team can't describe the ❤️ of your strategy at 3am then you don't have a strategy
Understand motivations to understand behaviour
The bigger an organisation the more people in the organisation will work to primarily cover their arse
Change only happens from choice, chance or crises (John Kehoe)
Strategy is about getting into a more powerful position against a changing environment
Everyone has a plan until they are punched in the face (Mike Tyson)
Empathy is walking in another persons shoes and getting a blister in the same place
Look for insightful questions and not insightful answers
The success of an intervention depends on the interior condition of the intervenor (Bill O’Brien)
The biggest lever in our lives is 'know thyself'
Empathy helps us learn. Judgement confirms our existing knowledge
Life is a game that no one gets out of alive
Intuition is like sense of humor - we all think we are better than we are
Facts knock politely on the door; stories crash the party naked
The problem with being an opportunist is if you have to wait for an opportunity
Analysis without paralysis, synthesis without clutter