This strategic framework, developed by former P&G CEO A.G. Lafley and strategist Roger Martin.

This is one of my favorite strategy to execution frameworks. The simplicity of the framework is quite refreshing.

Buy: Playing to Win

This strategic framework outlines five key questions that form the backbone of a successful strategy.

1. What is Your Winning Aspiration?

Define what “winning” means for your organization. This should be about achieving leadership and superior performance in your chosen market, not just participating.

2. Where Will You Play?

Choose the specific markets, customer segments, channels, and product categories where you’ll compete. This is about making explicit choices about where you won’t play as much as where you will.

3. How Will You Win?

Determine your unique value proposition and competitive advantage. This defines how you’ll succeed in your chosen markets better than your competitors.

4. What Capabilities Must Be in Place?

Identify and develop the core capabilities needed to win in your chosen way. These are the activities your organization must excel at to deliver your winning strategy.

5. What Management Systems Are Required?

Establish the systems, structures, and measures to support and sustain your strategic choices.

Key Takeaways

• Strategy is about making specific choices to win in the marketplace
• Success requires clear trade-offs and deciding what not to do
• All five elements must work together in a reinforcing way
• Strategy should be simple enough to be understood and communicated throughout the organization

The authors emphasize that strategy is not about being the best but about being unique and creating specific value for chosen customers. They stress that a successful strategy requires making clear choices and trade-offs rather than trying to be everything to everyone.

<aside> Remember: Strategy is about making choices that enable you to win, not compete. </aside>