Alex Nesbitt

We need both management and leadership. Disparaging management to puff up leadership doesn't help anybody. Good managers lead all the time. They coordinate work, oversee processes, and develop people. Effective leaders, on the other hand, help us figure out where we're going - and they make difficult tradeoffs between what's good for the group and what's good for the individual. One other salient point before I end my rant, we help people become more capable by developing them, not growing them. There are only two ways to grow people: you can make them bigger, or you can get more of them. Growth is not development. This common confusion leads to all sorts of delusions, like calling something business development when we mean revenue growth or corporate development when we mean growing a company via acquisitions. This shouldn't be a big issue, but it is. If you want to know why competitive advantage has eroded so much in the past 20 years, pay attention to this: Companies spend enormous amounts of energy developing processes for growth but neglect to develop effective processes for development. If you want to create and maintain an advantage, be enactive, and focus on intentionally developing your company. --------- I'm Alex Nesbitt. I help CEOs build more effective companies. Contact me for CEO coaching. I have a few open slots. 💡 If you want to be 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘺, check out my 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 masterclass academy.alexnesbitt.com/strategic-thin…

Patterns of Reality The sun does not rise, the sun does not set; It’s our turning world that moves, we forget. The sky is a wavelength, blue a translation, Color shifts form in constant vibration. The stars do not twinkle, it’s air that is breathing; Light pulses in waves, never moving or leaving. The moon waxes and wanes, but it never fades, A slow dance of shadow in light’s soft cascades. Rain is not sadness, but earth gently sighing; Its rhythm a song, falling, drying, and flying. Sound is a pulse, silence our choice, An echo of space left behind by our voice. Distance is nothing but imagined space; We trace the unseen to find our own place. Fire burns not to end, but to shape and renew, From embers to ashes, to spark something new. And what is reality, if not layered schemes— Memories woven into fractal-like dreams? A spin of the planet, a glimpse of a hue, Your green is not mine, yet somehow it’s true.

🚨 The biggest bias in leadership? 🚨 Assuming that problems mean something is missing. In leadership, it’s common to see issues and rush to fill the “gap” — add a checklist, a rule, or a new mindset. Yet, this often takes us down the wrong path. Why? Because PROBLEMS USUALLY ARISE NOT FROM WHAT’S MISSING BUT FROM WHAT’S ALREADY PRESENT in our systems. 🔍 Instead of asking, “What’s missing here?” try asking, “What’s causing this issue in our existing setup?” This shift in focus from adding to removing allows leaders to clear away obstacles, letting systems self-correct without piling on more layers. It’s a lesson drawn from 𝘦𝘯𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱: 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞, 𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐫. Before adding, look to understand and restore inherent simplicity. Often, clearing the path can be more powerful than filling the gaps. Agree? --------- I'm Alex Nesbitt. I help CEOs build more effective companies - better strategy -> better performance.

I helped one of my clients grow their company from $40 million to $265 million (and then sell the company for a boatload of cash.) How? They used my two-part Strategic Innovation model to reinvent their world. (FYI: This is how IKEA, Google, and Walmart reinvented their games and dominated their industries.) Now, I’m sharing these insights into Strategic Innovation with all the LuckHackers who follow me. In this powerful 32-minute lighting lesson, you’ll learn: 🔑 How to turn constraints into advantages. 🔑 Why disruptive innovation alone won’t scale your business. 🔑 The strategic mindset that helps you make the impossible possible. 🔑 The simple two-step process I used to help one CEO grow their company from $40 million to $265 million. If you’re serious about strategic innovation and breakthrough growth, this Lightning Lesson is for you. 👉 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 "𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞," and I'll send it your way! BONUS: I’m including the exact process model I use for turning innovation into sustainable success (this approach is a game changer).

You voted - now I'm delivering a lightning lesson: Strategic Leadership: How to be seen as a Strategic Leader. I’m giving away the very insights that helped me become a BCG partner and the CEO of my own company. Here’s what you’ll learn so you can use it today: — Why strategic behavior matters more than strategic thinking. — How to build your opportunity flywheel. — How to shift your mindset and act with more intentionality. — How to master the five pillars of strategic leadership. — How to navigate the obstacles that block your path to strategic leadership. It’s 33 minutes of pure strategy that will show you how to be a strategic leader. You can begin using it today. Comment “leader,” and I’ll send it to you. BONUS: It's FREE.

The real issue plaguing most organizations isn’t bad strategy. It’s "not-strategy" masquerading as strategy.

🛠️ Sustainable architects and strategic leaders share a secret. It's not about controlling what people do; it's about creating conditions where the right things unfold naturally. Strategic leaders recognize the pitfalls of compliance-oriented leadership. Instead, they act as servants who guide and inspire. They unlock the genuine energy and passion within their teams. Instead of trying to dictate action, shape the conditions so that the right actions unfold more spontaneously. Architects have blueprints; leaders have strategy. 📍 TLDR: Make 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞. See the comments for great tips on how you can do this too. ---------------- 👉 I'm Alex Nesbitt. Follow me to Activate your Strategic Mind P.S. If you like this way of thinking, check out my masterclass on 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞. Link in the featured section of my profile.

Good strategy liberates you from the swirl of micro-management. It cuts away the meaningless work. It empowers people to contribute. To be their best. On the flip side, you feel the absence of good strategy. There's an atmosphere of confusion and swirl. It's the organizational equivalent of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD.) It's a recipe for a toxic culture that leads to burnout and despair. The cure -> engaged leaders enacting high-quality strategy. Leaders: ➟Take care of the people in your charge. ➟Be enactive. Give them what they need to thrive. ------------- 👉 Follow me to Activate your Strategic Mind P.S. If you like this way of thinking, check out my masterclass on 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞. Link in the featured section of my profile.

This simple matrix reveals a profound truth: Healthy culture with bad strategy? 🚧 Danger Ahead. Your team may work well together, but without a clear direction, you're risking a downward spiral into no man's land. Toxic culture with bad strategy? ☠️ No Man's Land. A recipe for disaster. Morale is low, and the vision is blurred—change is urgently needed. Toxic culture with good strategy? ⚔️ Battle Ground. Your strategy may be solid, but internal conflicts are tearing you apart. Healthy culture with good strategy? 🌱 Where People & Companies Thrive. This is the sweet spot—where success is sustainable, and people love coming to work. Where does your organization stand today? And, more importantly, where do you want it to be? #Leadership #Strategy #Culture

Lots of companies confuse planning for strategy - and when they do, confusion is sure to follow. This chart from Willie Pietersen's book on Strategic Learning does a nice job of describing the differences between strategy and planning. It aligns strategy with effectiveness and planning with efficiency. Seems about right to me. What do you think?

Top news stories in my feed...JPMorgan Chase sees record profit...Consumer sentiment tumbles

Business strategy is about where we're going AND how we get there together. It's about the destination and the journey. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Here, the focus is on carving a distinct position in the competitive landscape, creating a future where the organization not only survives but thrives. It’s about securing a competitive advantage that resonates with customers and stands out in the market. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲: It's about operating with a coherent direction, aligning the parts of the organization towards a common goal. This cohesion improves our chances of reaching our desired outcomes, making every step forward a step closer to success. We are trying to 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡. If you can combine those two, then you've got two powerful vectors into communication that can be much more effective than relying on either one separately. ----------- 💡 I'm Alex Nesbitt. I help leaders connect strategy with action. DM me "Traction" to discuss how I can help you generate more strategic traction in your business.

@lrhaughton She's my favorite.

She asked a dumb question. “What business are you in?” “Window shades, Mary,” the owner huffed, thinking she was questioning the obvious. “But why do customers want them?” 🤔 “Privacy and to change the light levels.” “Aren’t you selling lighting control and privacy.” 👇🏼

In a world filled with distractions and competing priorities, staying focused and making meaningful progress is a real struggle. The constant feeling of being busy but not productive, the frustration of unmet goals, and the growing realization that your potential remains untapped. This isn't just about losing time; It's about missing opportunities to shape a future that aligns with your aspirations. Without a shift in approach, the risk isn't just unachieved goals; It's an unfulfilled life. That's why I built the Win Your Day system. Based on years of research into business, sports, neuroscience, behavior science, and thermodynamics, this program provides a simple system that will help you Win Your Day. This simple system breaks the cycle of busyness, inefficiency, and reactiveness. It's not just a way to improve your productivity. It's a system for unlocking a new way of living. If you want this -> I'm letting the first 100 customers name their own price. You only have to answer one question: How much is winning your day (every day) worth to you? That's what you pay. If you're interested, learn more here: academy.alexnesbitt.com/win-your-day?t… #timemanagement #focus #productivity

To borrow Steve's phrase, 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐚 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭. However, some suffer from the flawed logic of thinking that a great strategy is 90 percent of the work. And if you tell your people there's this great strategy, they can go off and make it happen. And the problem with that is that 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐚 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭. And as you evolve that great strategy, it changes and grows. It never comes out like it starts. Because you learn a lot more as you get into the subtleties of it. And you also find there are tremendous trade-offs that you have to make. Every day you discover something new that is a new problem or a new opportunity to fit these things together a little differently. And it's that process that is the magic. #strategy #leadership --------- Interested in being more strategic - Join 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 - a strategic program for aspiring Luck Hackers. I'm sharing some love for Valentine's - use the coupon code FEB24 for a $100 discount.

That's a lot of strategy. 🙂 More seriously, strategy can be used anywhere you are trying to achieve some goal. It's simply a way of improving your odds of success - or, as I would say, strategy creates advantage. And when you connect strategy with action effectively, you get massive leverage for free. It amplifies results by orders of magnitude. With a good strategy, the same effort can deliver 100x+ the results. That's why it's so valuable to build strategic competency in your company. Is strategy a REAL PRIORITY in your company? If not, what would make you reconsider? #strategy #leadership --------- Interested in being more strategic - Join 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 - a strategic program for aspiring Luck Hackers. I'm sharing some love for Valentine's - use the coupon code FEB24 for a $100 discount. academy.alexnesbitt.com/strategic-thin…

For five years, my mantra has been 𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬. That's the key to making strategy execution work better. It boils down to two basic ideas: 1. Make it easy for people to do the right thing. 2. Make it hard for them to do the wrong thing. So, I can't wait to read this book - The Friction Project: How Smart Leaders 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 by Bob Sutton and Huggy Rao Just downloaded the audiobook - (probably won't get much sleep but I expect it to be worth the listen.) #strategy #leadership #enaction #luckhacker ------- 🌟 I help leaders connect strategy to action and elevate their advantage. I'm available for strategy consults if you need a strategic thought partner. 🌟 DM me for details.

Making foresight one of your core competencies is a great way to bolster your strategic thinking skills. Foresight is a skill that can be developed. Hard trends (things that will happen) and soft trends (things that might happen) are all around us. Extrapolate. Build scenarios. Think about what the world will be like under those situations - you will be surprised by how much you can foresee. Both Blockbuster and Netflix had a decade to prepare for video on demand, but only Netflix seemed to have the foresight to get it right. Netflix translated foresight into action. BB did not. If you were part of Blockbuster's senior team, what would you have done differently? #strategy #enaction #leadership #luckhacker --------- Interested in being more strategic - Join 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 - a strategic program for aspiring Luck Hackers. I'm sharing some love for Valentine's - use the coupon code FEB24 for a $100 discount. academy.alexnesbitt.com/strategic-thin… ---------

Hey Luck Hackers, In this issue, I shine a light on a path to a more successful business model. Curious to know if you find this issue helpful. alexnesbitt.com/articles/the-1…

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