Patterns of Strategy

Patterns of Strategy makes a refreshing addition to the strategy literature. Aimed at decision makers and senior people who are the custodians of their organisations' strategies, it offers specific guidance in a world where choice can be daunting. It begins with a healthy de-bunking of some myths about strategy which have only served to limit peoples thinking - purely on this basis, it merits a strong recommendation. Dr Simon Haslam, Head of Strategy Faculty, Institute of Directors

In helping us understand how we differentiate, Patterns of Strategy gives a different lens to intuitive decision making and problem solving. It is beautiful in its simplicity. David Atkinson, COO, Mindgym

Patterns of Strategy is the first major new approach to strategy in a long time. Not re-packaged versions of existing ideas, but a completely new, and radically different, approach. The book offers descriptions of 80 common patterns of strategy in a 'recipe book' style, together with detailed advice on when, and how, to use them, and in what situations. It will be a "must have" for strategists. Paul Barnett, CEO, Strategic Management Bureau & Strategic Management Forum

In a world of incessant change, unpredictability, and in a context where there are often multiple existing and potential players, the fundamental problem for organisational strategists is that it is unerringly complex. How then does 'Patterns of Strategy' fare against this background? The simple answer is very well.

This is a novel and very significant contribution to the strategy literature. Prof. John Brocklesby, Head of School of Management, Victoria University of Wellington

Here, at last, is the unified field theory of strategy. Patterns of Strategy takes the many influencers of organisational performance and coheres them into a systemic model. Ed Straw, Director PWC Global (Retd), author of Stand and Deliver

Every now and then, a book comes along which seems to encompass the whole of a field, explain it, critique it, and surpass it. Patterns of Strategy does just that for the practice of organisational strategy. Once you have read Patterns, you can never go back. It combines a learned and enjoyable treatise with immensely practical usability and should be on every leader's desk, as a daily reference. Benjamin P Taylor, Chief Executive, Public Service Transformation Academy

Patterns of Strategy is practical in its approach, yet deep in wisdom. It is a must read. . . a rare combination of depth in thinking and ease of use. 80 patterns are presented as recipes and as a way of further development of one's own thinking. Although some sound familiar - like First Mover, Fast Follower - some names are really original, like Knight's move, Piggyback, Rumplelstiltskin, Mouse, Jigsaw. These descriptions are thought provoking and act as a catalyst to ask different questions. The brief case descriptions made me aware of the invisible drivers of strategy that dictate where one will go unless one actually changes the nature and direction of the structural coupling.

Patrick Hoverstadt and Lucy Loh have written a manual to guide business leaders to define their strategies in the twenty-first century. The book simplifies the subject, but does not oversimplify. It offers a uniquely systematic and sophisticated approach to the formulation of strategy for any business leader who wants to rethink their approach to strategy, embracing the complexity of the world of disruption, and considering both the opportunities in collaboration and in competition. There is much here that is fresh, and at the same time it is a brilliant synthesis of everything that is ever written about strategy. Anyone involved in the formation of strategy should read this book and think though how applying the building blocks creates a wide(r) range of possibilities. Jan De Visch, Executive Professor Entrepreneurial MBA, Flanders Business School, Catholic University of Leuven

Patterns of Strategy is a truly novel and powerful approach to working with strategy and should be required reading for, and in the toolkit of, all executives and boards of directors.

Consultants will love the Patterns of Strategy approach because it helps them to develop better strategies with clients who will appreciate the rigour, novelty, and the feeling of empowerment that comes with this approach. Axel Kravatzky, Director, Syntegra Change Architects Ltd and Founding Chairman Caribbean Corporate Governance Institute Ltd

Patterns of Strategy is a remarkable book that draws upon the insights of the authors from working with small to large multinational companies. They have succeeded in understanding and articulating the dynamics of 'strategy' as it plays out in the real world and why few succeed and many fail. They have done an excellent job in detailing how a business can better position itself within its market and how to use this positioning to better develop a strategic response that not just harnesses but exploits the market forces for greater competitive advantage. Patterns of Strategy has changed my thinking in how I can develop more effective strategies. Stephen Brewis - Chief Scientist, BT

This is a tough book but is an essential one for strategy teachers and practitioners. Tough because it doesn't offer 2x2 box simplistic models or slick consulting earning hooks. But it will be worth it. David Weir: Emeritus Professor, Northumbria University, Professor of Intercultural management, York St John University

This book creates a framework for strategy, planning and execution by considering the fundamental dimensions of strategy: power; fit and time.

The book sets out an approach to create and implement a strategy that is appropriate for your situation - there is no one size fits all approach to this. The 80 worked examples are like handed down family recipes that can be adopted and adapted to overcome specific challenges that are often repeated as "patterns of strategy." Jonathan Higginbottom, Principal Consultant, Capita

Patterns of Strategy examines a fundamental issue affecting all organisations: "Why do most strategies fail?" Patrick Hoverstadt and Lucy Loh shine a light on the gaps in conventional strategic thinking, and offer an explanation - and a solution.

Hoverstadt and Loh provide a framework and language to more accurately describe the reality of an organisation's circumstances, and to try to anticipate how these circumstances will change as the future unfolds.

The final section is dedicated to implementation - both of the process to define strategy, and then pulling off the organisational manoeuvres required to execute successfully.

Patterns of Strategy is a genuinely fresh perspective which draws on its authors' expertise applying systems thinking to organisations. It's an approach which delivers a significant shift in mindset - and one which could make an impact on the 90% of current strategies which fail to deliver. Gareth Marlow, COO, Redgate