In this episode, Peter Compo delves into the emergent approach to strategy and discusses the limitations of traditional frameworks using aspirations, plans, and metrics alone. He further discusses the concept of ‘killer problems’ in innovation and emphasises the importance of a central rule that provides real-time guidance, unifies decisions, and allows for free choice. Complex examples from business and military strategy illustrate how granularization and over-specification can lead to failure, whereas centralized, low-level constraints help create coherence and foster creativity. Peter also explores nested systems and the necessity of having individual strategies for different segments within an organization.
00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:25 Limitations of Aspirations, Plans, and Metrics
01:12 The Killer Problems of Change and Innovation
03:04 Framework Components and Their Shortcomings
05:25 The Power of Central Rules
06:45 Challenges in Digital Transformation
10:27 Local vs Global Strategy
13:54 Granularization Problem in Strategy
18:31 The Fallacy of Shrinking Time
22:38 The Hidden Blockers of Transformation
26:11 Introduction to Chapter Five: How Strategy Functions
30:20 Granularization and Cascading Problems
31:13 Identifying and Overcoming Bottlenecks
33:29 Elon Musk’s Engineering Approach
35:40 The Importance of Low-Level Rules
41:21 Strategy and Tactics in Warfare
48:46 Nested Systems and Organizational Strategy
54:58 The Role of Leadership in Strategy Implementation
56:23 Conclusion and Further Resources
Link to Peter’s website: https://emergentapproach.com
Link to Peter’s Music: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJsn2zbnx8dwvHJrisdkAtg
Link to Aidan McCullen for Keynotes, workshops and event MC.
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Peter Compo, strategy, emergent approach, aspirations, plans, metrics, innovation, complex adaptive systems, real time guidance, central rule, rule adherence, deviations from diagnosis, decision making, organizational change, digital transformation, investment in new products, granularization, cascading goals, bottleneck constraints, nested systems, military tactics