Named one of the best strategy books of 2021 by strategy+business Get to better more effective
strategy. In nearly every business segment and corner of the world economy the most successful
companies dramatically outperform their rivals. What is their secret? In Better Simpler
Strategy Harvard Business School professor Felix Oberholzer-Gee shows how these companies
achieve more by doing less. At a time when rapid technological change and global competition
conspire to upend traditional ways of doing business these companies pursue radically
simplified strategies. At a time when many managers struggle not to drown in vast seas of
projects and initiatives these businesses follow simple rules that help them select the few
ideas that truly make a difference. Better Simpler Strategy provides readers with a simple
tool the value stick which every organization can use to make its strategy more effective and
easier to execute. Based on proven financial mechanics the value stick helps executives decide
where to focus their attention and how to deepen the competitive advantage of their business.
How does the value stick work? It provides a way of measuring the two fundamental forces that
lead to value creation and increased financial success-the customer's willingness-to-pay and
the employee's willingness-to-sell their services to the business. Companies that win
Oberholzer-Gee shows create value for customers by raising their willingness-to-pay and they
provide value for talent by lowering their willingness-to-sell. The approach proven in
practice is entirely data driven and uniquely suited to be cascaded throughout the
organization. With many useful visuals and examples across industries and geographies Better
Simpler Strategy explains how these two key measures enable firms to gauge and improve their
strategies and operations. Based on the author's sought-after strategy course this book is
your must-have guide for making better strategic decisions.
