The Strategist

Based on her legendary strategy course at Harvard Business School, Cynthia Montgomery offers a radically new perspective on a leader's most vital role.

'Are you a strategist?' That's the first question Cynthia Montgomery asks the business owners and senior executives from all over the world who participate in her highly regarded Entrepreneur, Owner, President program. As leaders, it's not a question they anticipate on opening day, but Montgomery's vision that strategy and leadership need to be thoroughly re-integrated in the modern working world, and her vast experience in showing how to do that successfully, means that by the time the course ends, they cannot imagine leading their companies to success without being, and living the role of, a strategist.

For the first time ever, the thinking and learning behind this world-famous course is being shared — giving you everything you need to become the leader your business needs.

1. Strategy and Leadership
2. Are You a Strategist?
3. The Myth of the Super-Manager
4. Begin with Purpose
5. Turn Purpose into Reality
6. Own Your Strategy
7. Keep It Vibrant
8. The Essential Strategist

I had my misgivings when I started to read this book, but my, was I surprised! The author starts by going back to the basics and explains with examples that business people may understand why the basics are important and the questions you should be asking yourself. This may sound trivial, but is very far from it. I was personally able to understand why my current company has a lack of focus by reading this book.

This is a very highly recommended reading, as it forces you to think about the basic building blocks of a business, which seldom are done and redefines the role of the strategist.

Only reason it didn't get a higher rating was that there was not so much focus on the execution (even though the authors explains multiple times that it is extremely important), which is understandable, as that topic would have made this book a lot thicker.

Anyway, enjoy it.