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What metrics should companies prioritize to effectively measure the success of a Breakthrough Strategy?


This article provides a detailed response to: What metrics should companies prioritize to effectively measure the success of a Breakthrough Strategy? For a comprehensive understanding of Breakthrough Strategy, we also include relevant case studies for further reading and links to Breakthrough Strategy best practice resources.

TLDR To measure the success of a Breakthrough Strategy, prioritize Revenue Growth, Market Share, Customer Satisfaction, Customer Engagement, and Innovation Pipeline Strength for a comprehensive strategic performance assessment.

Reading time: 4 minutes


Implementing a Breakthrough Strategy requires a nuanced approach to measurement, as traditional metrics might not fully capture the transformative aspects of such initiatives. Organizations aiming for breakthroughs often venture into uncharted territories, making the selection of appropriate metrics critical for assessing progress, success, and areas needing adjustment. Below, we delve into the key metrics that organizations should prioritize to effectively measure the success of a Breakthrough Strategy.

Revenue Growth and Market Share

At the core of any Breakthrough Strategy is the aim to significantly impact the organization's financial performance and competitive positioning. Revenue Growth is a straightforward yet powerful indicator of market acceptance and the effectiveness of the strategy in capturing value. A sustained increase in revenue, especially when compared to industry benchmarks, suggests that the organization is successfully capitalizing on its breakthrough initiatives. Market Share, on the other hand, provides insight into competitive dynamics, indicating how well the organization is performing relative to its competitors. Gaining market share in the context of a Breakthrough Strategy often means that the organization is not just growing but also capturing value from competitors or expanding the market itself.

According to McKinsey, organizations that focus on growth through innovation tend to outperform their peers in both revenue and earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) growth. This underscores the importance of aligning breakthrough strategies with financial performance metrics to ensure that innovative efforts translate into tangible business outcomes.

Real-world examples include companies like Tesla and Amazon, which have consistently demonstrated how Breakthrough Strategies can lead to rapid revenue growth and increased market share. Tesla's focus on electric vehicles and renewable energy solutions has disrupted the automotive industry, while Amazon's continuous innovation across e-commerce, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence has cemented its market leadership.

Explore related management topics: Artificial Intelligence Breakthrough Strategy Revenue Growth

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Customer Satisfaction and Engagement

Customer-centric metrics are vital for measuring the success of a Breakthrough Strategy, as they provide insights into how well the organization's innovations are being received by the market. Customer Satisfaction scores, such as Net Promoter Score (NPS), offer a direct measure of the value customers perceive from the organization's products or services. High levels of customer satisfaction are often indicative of successful innovation and effective market fit. Beyond satisfaction, Customer Engagement metrics, including repeat purchase rates, customer lifetime value (CLV), and social media engagement, can signal the depth of the organization's relationship with its customers.

Accenture's research highlights the importance of customer experience innovation, noting that organizations that excel in customer experience can achieve significantly higher revenue growth compared to those that lag in this area. This emphasizes the need for organizations pursuing Breakthrough Strategies to closely monitor customer-centric metrics to ensure that their innovations are effectively meeting customer needs and expectations.

Apple serves as a prime example of an organization that prioritizes customer satisfaction and engagement. Through its continuous innovation in product design and ecosystem integration, Apple has maintained high NPS scores and customer loyalty, driving its success in multiple markets.

Explore related management topics: Customer Experience Customer Loyalty Customer Satisfaction Net Promoter Score

Innovation Pipeline Strength

For organizations pursuing Breakthrough Strategies, the strength of the innovation pipeline is a critical metric for long-term success. This involves assessing the quantity and quality of ideas, projects, and initiatives in the organization's innovation pipeline, as well as the speed at which these can be brought to market. Metrics such as the ratio of new products to total products, time to market for new innovations, and the percentage of revenue from new products or services can provide valuable insights into the organization's capacity for sustained innovation.

Boston Consulting Group (BCG) emphasizes the importance of a robust innovation pipeline, noting that leading innovators not only focus on current projects but also actively manage a portfolio of future opportunities. This approach ensures a continuous stream of breakthroughs that can fuel growth and competitive advantage over time.

Google's approach to innovation, with its famous "20% time" policy encouraging employees to spend a portion of their time on side projects, has led to the development of key products and services such as Gmail and Google News. This demonstrates the value of nurturing a strong innovation pipeline as part of a Breakthrough Strategy.

Effectively measuring the success of a Breakthrough Strategy requires a balanced approach, incorporating financial, customer-centric, and innovation-focused metrics. By prioritizing Revenue Growth, Market Share, Customer Satisfaction, Customer Engagement, and Innovation Pipeline Strength, organizations can gain a comprehensive understanding of their strategic performance and make informed decisions to drive sustained growth and competitive advantage.

Explore related management topics: Competitive Advantage

Best Practices in Breakthrough Strategy

Here are best practices relevant to Breakthrough Strategy from the Flevy Marketplace. View all our Breakthrough Strategy materials here.

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Explore all of our best practices in: Breakthrough Strategy

Breakthrough Strategy Case Studies

For a practical understanding of Breakthrough Strategy, take a look at these case studies.

Breakout Strategy Development for a Global Technology Company

Scenario: A global technology firm is facing stagnation in its growth trajectory.

Read Full Case Study

Breakout Strategy Facilitation for Defense Contractor in Competitive Landscape

Scenario: A leading defense contractor is facing stagnation in a highly competitive and regulated market.

Read Full Case Study

Breakout Strategy Formulation for Boutique Consulting Firm

Scenario: The organization is a mid-sized boutique consulting company specializing in digital transformation.

Read Full Case Study

Market Expansion Strategy for Life Sciences Firm in Biotechnology

Scenario: The organization is a mid-sized biotechnology player experiencing a plateau in growth after a decade of consistent expansion.

Read Full Case Study

Strategic Overhaul for Educational Institution in Competitive Market

Scenario: A prestigious educational institution is facing stagnation in student enrollment and a decline in academic reputation amidst an increasingly competitive higher education landscape.

Read Full Case Study

Revolutionary Breakthrough Strategy for Semiconductor Manufacturer

Scenario: A semiconductor firm is grappling with the challenge of scaling production while maintaining innovation leadership in a highly competitive market.

Read Full Case Study


Explore all Flevy Management Case Studies

Related Questions

Here are our additional questions you may be interested in.

What sales strategies are most effective in supporting a Breakout Strategy?
A successful Breakout Strategy employs Advanced Analytics for deep customer understanding, Digital Channels for broad and efficient engagement, and Strategic Partnerships for expanded reach and innovation. [Read full explanation]
What role does customer feedback play in refining and adjusting a Breakthrough Strategy post-implementation?
Customer feedback is crucial for refining Breakthrough Strategies post-implementation, ensuring organizations stay relevant and customer-centric through continuous improvement and innovation. [Read full explanation]
What impact does the increasing importance of sustainability have on the formulation and execution of Breakthrough Strategies?
The increasing importance of sustainability is driving organizations to integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations into Breakthrough Strategies, focusing on long-term resilience and market leadership through Strategic Planning, Innovation, and Operational Excellence. [Read full explanation]
What emerging trends are shaping the future of Breakout Strategies in the digital age?
Emerging trends shaping Breakout Strategies include Digital Transformation, leveraging Data and Analytics for strategic insights, and adopting Agile and Flexible Operational Models to drive significant growth and market differentiation. [Read full explanation]
How can companies ensure alignment between their Breakout Strategy and overall corporate values and culture?
Achieve sustainable growth by aligning Breakout Strategy with corporate values and culture through Strategic Planning, Leadership Commitment, and Continuous Communication for enhanced performance. [Read full explanation]
What emerging trends are likely to influence the direction of Breakthrough Strategies in the next decade?
Emerging trends influencing Breakthrough Strategies include AI and ML integration for Operational Excellence, emphasis on Sustainability and CSR for brand reputation, and adoption of Digital Platforms for value creation. [Read full explanation]
What are the implications of global economic shifts on the development and execution of Breakthrough Strategies?
Global economic shifts necessitate agile, innovative Breakthrough Strategies, focusing on digital transformation, consumer behavior adaptation, and globalization, to ensure long-term organizational success. [Read full explanation]
How can organizations leverage Breakthrough Strategy to disrupt and lead in competitive markets?
Organizations can leverage Breakthrough Strategy to lead in markets by adopting strategic foresight, embracing Digital Transformation, fostering innovation, integrating Risk Management, and prioritizing Leadership, Culture, and Change Management for sustainable growth. [Read full explanation]

Source: Executive Q&A: Breakthrough Strategy Questions, Flevy Management Insights, 2024


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