flevyblog

Flevy Blog is an online business magazine covering Business Strategies, Business Theories, & Business Stories.
MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP STRATEGY, MARKETING, SALES OPERATIONS & SUPPLY CHAIN ORGANIZATION & CHANGE IT/MIS Other

Flevy Author Spotlight: Our Interview with Breakthrough Strategy Expert Dr. Stephen Sweid

Editor's Note: Take a look at our featured best practice, Growth Strategy (41-slide PowerPoint presentation). The reality is: all businesses face the challenge of achieving sustainable Growth. They need viable Growth Strategies. So, what is Growth Strategy? It is the organization's high-level Corporate Strategy Plan that outlines everything the organization needs to do to achieve its goals for [read more]

Also, if you are interested in becoming an expert on Strategy Development, take a look at Flevy's Strategy Development Frameworks offering here. This is a curated collection of best practice frameworks based on the thought leadership of leading consulting firms, academics, and recognized subject matter experts. By learning and applying these concepts, you can you stay ahead of the curve. Full details here.

* * * *

Photo Dr SweidDr. Stephen Sweid is a senior business and management consultant, researcher, and trainer with over 20 years consulting and research experience across a wide spectrum of industries.  He brings a unique, global perspective, having worked with many organizations from all over the world, including Europe, the U.S., Middle East, and Far East.

He has also published a series of training guides on the topic of developing a “breakthrough strategy,” which are exclusively available on Flevy here.  Having a breakthrough strategy is something all competitive organizations strive for, so we decided to interview Dr. Sweid to learn more about this topic and his thoughts on strategy development.

Can you tell us a little about your background?

My core and passion are about strategy, quantum leap change, innovation, marketing, and international dimension and collaboration. I am an EU national, multicultural and multilingual: 4 languages.

I have been involved as an expert, researcher, and trainer in numerous development projects of international donor organizations, such as UNDP, UNIDO, World Bank, and European Commission in different countries.  For example, I worked closely with the European Investment Bank EIB. Moreover, I also provided international consulting work in the combination of business and technology strategies to multinationals, such as Siemens, IBM, Nikon and Toshiba, but also to many SMEs in different countries.

I am familiar with your research and thought leadership on quantum leap or breakthrough strategy, which I find very compelling. What defines a breakthrough strategy?

Breakthrough strategy is about an ingenious innovative and comprehensive success formula. It implies an ideal fit with the future. It can be in new products or services or marketing or business model. It is about transformation even in the core competencies. It is not about competing and winning only but about making a big difference in the market and society and about much more giving and collaborating and social responsibility. It is about extreme differentiation to get to the exponential zone of performance. If it is not mostly new it is not a breakthrough strategy. It is actually a process of perpetual transformation. It is a triple “wow” response. It is about realization of the real full potential of the organization. It deals typically with unknown territories or very dynamic environments, where research and forecasting become quite complex. Breakthrough strategy is a journey and adventure.

It is crucial to note that a quantum leap strategy does not have to be more costly than the incremental approach, and indeed it is much more feasible in the economic sense, since it makes the organization much more competitive, certainly in the medium and longer term.

One thing is certain: Breakthrough strategy has become a must in our era of disruptive innovations and extra rapid changes. It is the only way to achieve sustainable success. A breakthrough strategy is needed in at least 30-40% of the business activities and income, whether in a startup SME or an ongoing corporate organization or a government.

Emerging countries in the past used to copy the existing status of advanced economies, but this left them trailing behind all the time and never being able to bridge the widening gap. To catch up, emerging countries needed to do a quantum leap to be able to compete. It is about catching up with the future rather than with the present. I did a lot of work in developing and emerging countries in different regions, including work with China and was intrigued by the countries that pursued a quantum leap stance similar the Asian tigers, China, but also the UAE.

Strategy formulation is not a routine exercise. A breakthrough strategy cannot be worked out in a few hours or even in a few days of discussions. The breakthrough strategy formulation process is quite similar to the innovation process. As in the case of innovation, a breakthrough strategy has to be earned and is not given on a silver plate. The ingenious ideas have to be found first through a phase of divergent thinking. There are definitely great innovative solutions and paradises out there but one has to find them or better create them.

My role is to encourage this type of quantum leap change since it is the way to go in our age and for sustainability.

What are some organizations that have achieved this?

Many SMEs I dealt with. In the majority of cases where success is tangible, there is this element of a quantum leap and blue ocean quite visible.

IBM is an example when it transformed from a mainframe company to a business service firm. Other examples include Google, IKEA, Marks and Spencer in the UK and thousands of other firms everywhere. Dubai is a great example of ongoing quantum leaps of emerging countries. I try to instill breakthrough strategy and a quantum leap in all companies and organizations I deal with and see this as my main role. I invest a lot of effort in developing the initial business concept of a startup into a “wow” value proposition.

In one of your products, you focus on the importance of mindset. What characterizes an ideal mindset for breakthrough strategy?

There is no ideal mindset for breakthrough success, but a combination of mindsets, as with any success.

The mindset is the driving force. It is the most important thing. It is the magic of the whole thing, like in sports or in the battle. There is no realization and no winning without it. Some examples of needed mindsets include taking risk and pushing limit to the extreme. Another is the mindset of innovation and experimenting, but also entrepreneurship and treasure hunt. Another is the mindset of extra giving and sharing, etc. You need also the alien in your team. Such a wide combination of mindsets is needed in your strategic team.

The mindset is especially important for corporate setting, where people tend to stay too close to their comfort zone.

Based on your experience, what are the biggest growth challenges for smaller organizations?

When a startup takes off with a breakthrough formula, it will be driving on a super highway in terms of growth prospect. Actual growth will then depend on how the management is performing, keeping in mind that success can be only realized through a comprehensive combination of elements–a complete formula–while failure can be caused by any missing or defective element in this equation. Many people blame money for lack of growth, but in actual fact, this is often not the case. It is all about the recipe–i.e. the business formula–irrespective of the size of the business. Obviously, one needs to test this formula in the market prior to embarking. When the formula is not “wow” or has missing elements, then it will be an ongoing struggle with everything, including growth, even when money is available. Hence, one has to get the formula right and keep innovating and changing even during growth. It is not only about money and people.

It is estimated that more than 50% of startups fail and cease operation after 4 years, and there can be many reasons for such failures.

What are some ways organizations can increase the level of innovation in their strategic thinking?

Main thing is the “want:” We want an innovative strategy. Obviously, one needs collective work and a diversity of mindsets in the strategy formulation team, including innovative people, but also explorers and entrepreneurs. The mindsets can be stimulated by taking the team to some major conference or exhibition followed by some brainstorming sessions. Research is essential for innovation, including testing and development of concepts in the real world. A two-teams approach is quite conducive to innovation. Close proximity to the customers during strategy formulation is very stimulating. It is all about the right questions in strategy, but indeed the “why” type. It is essential also to allocate sufficient time to be able to develop an innovative strategy, similar to the making of a Damascene sword.

You also co-authored a training guide with John Gelmini called Reinventing Senior Executives, which is aimed at helping aging senior business executives boost their youthfulness, resilience, and outlook. What are some tips you can share with senior business executives who feel the effects of aging?

In actual fact, age is just a number. One can become more creative and more daring every year even after 60. Seniority has many advantages and one should leverage such strong points. Every year, one should add new approaches and gadgets to counteract the effect of aging and to make every year better than the previous one. There is actually no limit to pushing limits, as one might assume, and one can acquire new habits even as a senior executive. It is crucial to become a technology freak with the help of trainers but also an elder and even to do quantum leaps.

This guide includes many new, but tested and guaranteed approaches, and which are embraced and practiced by the authors. I am a globetrotter and long distance walker and pursue quantum leaps constantly in my life and profession.

Dr. Stephen Sweid has published a series of business frameworks on Breakthrough Strategy to Flevy.

25-slide PowerPoint presentation
This presentation introduces a framework for entrepreneurs to use when building and navigating their business from a nascent, startup state to an enterprise with a global footprint. This framework, called the 5 Stages of Business Growth, is based on the fact that all businesses experience common [read more]

Want to Achieve Excellence in Strategy Development?

Gain the knowledge and develop the expertise to become an expert in Strategy Development. Our frameworks are based on the thought leadership of leading consulting firms, academics, and recognized subject matter experts. Click here for full details.

"Strategy without Tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without Strategy is the noise before defeat." - Sun Tzu

For effective Strategy Development and Strategic Planning, we must master both Strategy and Tactics. Our frameworks cover all phases of Strategy, from Strategy Design and Formulation to Strategy Deployment and Execution; as well as all levels of Strategy, from Corporate Strategy to Business Strategy to "Tactical" Strategy. Many of these methodologies are authored by global strategy consulting firms and have been successfully implemented at their Fortune 100 client organizations.

These frameworks include Porter's Five Forces, BCG Growth-Share Matrix, Greiner's Growth Model, Capabilities-driven Strategy (CDS), Business Model Innovation (BMI), Value Chain Analysis (VCA), Endgame Niche Strategies, Value Patterns, Integrated Strategy Model for Value Creation, Scenario Planning, to name a few.

Learn about our Strategy Development Best Practice Frameworks here.

Readers of This Article Are Interested in These Resources


186-slide PowerPoint presentation
This presentation is a comprehensive collection of Key Performance Indicators (KPI) related to Corporate Strategy. A KPI is a quantifiable measure used to evaluate the success of an organization, employee, or process in meeting objectives for performance. KPIs are typically implemented [read more]


 
104-slide PowerPoint presentation
 
 
76-slide PowerPoint presentation

About David Tang

David Tang is an entrepreneur and management consultant. His current focus is Flevy, the marketplace for business best practices (e.g. frameworks & methodologies, presentation templates, financial models). Prior to Flevy, David worked as a management consultant for 8 years. His consulting experience spans corporate strategy, marketing, operations, change management, and IT; both domestic and international (EMEA + APAC). Industries served include Media & Entertainment, Telecommunications, Consumer Products/Retail, High-Tech, Life Sciences, and Business Services. You can connect with David here on LinkedIn.

, , ,



Complimentary Business Training Guides


Many companies develop robust strategies, but struggle with operationalizing their strategies into implementable steps. This presentation from flevy introduces 12 powerful business frameworks spanning both Strategy Development and Strategy Execution. [Learn more]

  This 48-page whitepaper, authored by consultancy Envisioning, provides the frameworks, tools, and insights needed to manage serious Change—under the backdrop of the business lifecycle. These lifecycle stages are each marked by distinct attributes, challenges, and behaviors. [Learn more]

We've developed a very comprehensive collection of Strategy & Transformation PowerPoint templates for you to use in your own business presentations, spanning topics from Growth Strategy to Brand Development to Innovation to Customer Experience to Strategic Management. [Learn more]

  We have compiled a collection of 10 Lean Six Sigma templates (Excel) and Operational Excellence guides (PowerPoint) by a multitude of LSS experts. These tools cover topics including 8 Disciplines (8D), 5 Why's, 7 Wastes, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), and DMAIC. [Learn more]
Recent Articles by Corporate Function

  

  

  

  

  

The Flevy Business Blog (https://flevy.com/blog) is a leading source of information on business strategies, business theories, and business stories. Most of our articles are authored by management consultants and industry executives with over 20 years of experience.

Flevy (https://flevy.com) is the marketplace for business best practices, such as management frameworks, presentation templates, and financial models. Our best practice documents are of the same caliber as those produced by top-tier consulting firms (like McKinsey, Bain, Accenture, BCG, and Deloitte) and used by Fortune 100 organizations. Learn more about Flevy here.
  


OUR CORE OFFERINGS
Flevy Marketplace: Top 100
· Strategy & Transformation
· Digital Transformation
· Operational Excellence
· Organization & Change
· Financial Models
· Consulting Frameworks
· PowerPoint Templates
FlevyPro (Subscription Service)
KPI Library
Streams (Functional Bundles)
Flevy Executive Learning (FEL)
PowerPoint Services

FREE Resources

About Flevy
Management Topics
Marcus (AI-Powered Consultant)
Partner Program
LinkedIn Influencer Marketing
FAQ / Terms / Privacy / Blog
Contact Us: support@flevy.com



CONNECT WITH US!
       
TOP 100 TRENDING TOPICS
Acquisition Strategy
Agile
Analytics
Artificial Intelligence
Balanced Scorecard
Best Practices
Big Data
Breakout Strategy
Business Continuity Planning
Business Plan Financial Model
Business Transformation
CMMI
COBIT
Change Management
Cloud
Communications Strategy
Company Financial Model
Competitive Advantage
Competitive Analysis
Consulting Frameworks
Continuous Improvement
Core Competencies
Corporate Culture
Cost Reduction Assessment
Customer Experience

BROWSE BY FUNCTION
Strategy, Transformation, & Innovation
Digital Transformation
Operational Excellence and LSS
Organization, Change, & HR
Management Consulting

Customer Journey
Customer Service
Cyber Security
Data Privacy
Decision Making
Digital Marketing Strategy
Digital Transformation
Digital Transformation Strategy
Due Diligence
ESG
Employee Engagement
Employee Training
Enterprise Architecture
Growth Strategy
HR Strategy
Hiring
Hoshin Kanri
ISO 27001
ITIL
Information Technology
Innovation Management
Integrated Financial Model
Kaizen
Kanban
Key Performance Indicators

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Business Strategy Frameworks
Case Studies
Consulting Training Guides
COVID-19 Trend Data
Digital Transformation
Financial Advising Services (FAS)

Knowledge Management
Leadership
Lean
Lean Manufacturing
Logistics
M&A (Mergers & Acquisitions)
Manufacturing
Market Research
Marketing Plan Development
Maturity Model
McKinsey PowerPoint
McKinsey Templates
Operational Excellence
Organizational Change
Organizational Design
Performance Management
Post-merger Integration
Pricing Strategy
Process Improvement
Process Maps
Procurement Strategy
Product Launch Strategy
Product Strategy
Project Management
Quality Management


Free Resources
KPI Library
Lean Management
Lean Six Sigma Training Guides
Marcus Insights
Operational Excellence

Real Estate
Remote Work
Restructuring
Risk Management
Robotic Process Automation
SWOT
SaaS
Sales
Scrum
Service Design
Six Sigma Project
Social Media Strategy
Strategic Planning
Strategic Thinking
Strategy Development
Supply Chain Analysis
Sustainability
Target Operating Model
Team Management
Total Productive Maintenance
Value Chain Analysis
Value Creation
Value Stream Mapping
Visual Workplace
Workplace Safety


Product Strategy
Small Business Owner
Startup Resources
Strategic Planning
Strategic Planning Process
Value Innovation Strategy


© 2012-2024 Copyright. Flevy LLC. All Rights Reserved.