The Crux

How Leaders Become Strategists

By: Richard P. Rumelt

Narrated by: Richard P. Rumelt, Charles Constant

Financial Times, Best Business Books
Forbes, Best Business Books
The Next Big Idea Club, Best Leadership Books
The Globe & Mail, Best Management Books

“A bracingly direct guide about the pitfalls of strategy, based around a climbing metaphor" (Financial Times)

What passes for strategy in too many businesses, government agencies, and military operations is a toxic mix of wishful thinking and incoherent policies. Richard P. Rumelt’s breakthrough concept is that leaders become effective strategists when they focus on challenges rather than goals, pinpointing the crux of their pivotal challenge—the aspect that is both surmountable and promises the greatest progress—and taking decisive, coherent action to overcome it.

Rumelt defines the essence of the strategist’s skill with vivid storytelling, from how Elon Musk found the crux that propelled the success of SpaceX to how the American military came to grips with the weaknesses of its battle strategy. He teaches that every person and every organization faces multiple challenges; the trick is to concentrate on those that can be solved— the addressable strategic challenges. His concept of a Strategy Foundry™ builds a new way for senior management to construct a strong strategy.

Excellent

I confess that I consider Author’s first book, “Good Strategy, Bad Strategy” to be one of the best business books - period. So I was thrilled for this new work. It does not disappoint but builds on his core beliefs on what is strategy and how it is different than goals, mission statements, objectives and most corporate double speak. Essential reading for corporate leaders.

Another great book from this Author

Read good strategy bad strategy then this and you will build a stronger plan for your business.

Highly Recommend

This is a MUST read for anyone who is interested in strategy, entrepreneurship or running a company large or small, public or private. Filled with practical advice you will be equiped to apply concepts immediately to your own situation.

Rumelt is the best

I couldn’t wait to read this when I saw Richard Rumelt had come out with a new book. It is just as good as I hoped and I’m ready to start my second listen through. I have gone through good strategy bad strategy many times and yet this is still very valuable.

A logical approach to strategy that I can follow

If you like to think independently and logically, you will like this book. Author provides a solid framework on how to evaluate and select a strategy that will work for your situation.