This Is Strategy

Make Better Plans

by Seth Godin

4.0(194 ratings)

6 min read

Brief overview

This book explores the power of strategic thinking by looking at how people, projects, and systems connect to shape our world. It shows ways to align our goals with the bigger forces at play, offering ideas for building resilience and sparking change. By reading it, you can learn how to shift perspectives, manage complexity, and make deliberate choices that lead toward meaningful results.

Introduction

We begin by recognizing that every effort we make happens within a larger system—multiple players, feedback loops, and hidden forces that shape the outcome. When we understand these interconnected dynamics, strategy becomes more than a plan: it becomes an active way of guiding change.

Readers can gain value by noticing that many obstacles are rooted in the systems they belong to, including workplace structures, cultural habits, and personal biases. Seeing these networks is the first step to shifting them in a chosen direction.

This book encourages us to move from merely reacting to events toward shaping the environment that drives those events. Strategy is not an accidental byproduct; it is a craft that grants us agency.

A strategic approach starts by asking: 'What does the system want, and how do we align it with what we want?'

Embracing Systems and Time

Strategy always unfolds over time. Each day presents new information, and systems respond in ways we don’t always predict. Recognizing that unknown outcomes arise from complex networks keeps us both humble and alert.

Systems resist change by default—like a rubber band snapping back to its shape—unless there’s compelling tension to pull them toward something new. Our task is to harness that tension for positive impact.

Clarity about long-term goals helps us stay focused when short-term pressures distract us. Knowing this prevents us from working aimlessly or defaulting to other people’s expectations.

"Tomorrow is going to be here soon whether we plan for it or not."

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What is This Is Strategy about?

"This Is Strategy: Make Better Plans" by Seth Godin is a compelling exploration into the art of strategic thinking and its applications in our interconnected world. This book highlights the importance of aligning personal and organizational goals with broader systemic forces to foster resilience and initiate meaningful change. Delving into the intricacies of strategic alignment, it provides readers with actionable insights to navigate complexities and make informed decisions that drive impactful outcomes.

Focusing on key themes such as the power of positioning, the role of tension in driving innovation, and the value of constraints in inspiring creativity, Seth Godin's work is both a guide and a manual for anyone looking to harness the potential of strategy in everyday life. It outlines realistic strategies to pinpoint the underlying systems dictating challenges while teaching readers to craft plans that reflect both immediate needs and long-term objectives. Celebrated for bringing clarity to complex concepts, this book emboldens readers with the agency to practically apply strategic thinking.

Review of This Is Strategy

Seth Godin's "This Is Strategy: Make Better Plans" stands out for its insightful dissection of the mindset required to transform strategic visions into tangible realities. The book expertly captures the essence of strategic thinking by detailing practical steps and real-world examples that illustrate how small, deliberate actions can incite significant change. One of its key strengths is its rich exploration of how positioning oneself or one's organization in a unique, omnipresent manner is imperative to standing out in a crowded market space.

Godin intricately blends theories about managing complexities, leveraging tension for growth, and embracing constraints as creative enablers to create a roadmap for adaptive planning. His writing—both accessible and engaging—caters to novices and seasoned professionals alike, making complex strategies easily digestible. This is particularly beneficial for those who may feel overwhelmed by the nebulous nature of strategy itself. Readers will appreciate the book's emphasis on collaboration and the persistence needed to navigate and reframe enduring challenges.

"This Is Strategy" is highly recommended for those who are serious about shaping their future through strategic insight. It offers clear recommendations, prompting reflection on how strategies are not simply about planning but taking action to construct influence. Thus, the book rightly positions itself as a valuable addition to the strategic thinking canon, ideal for corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and anyone preparing to foster positive organizational change.

Who should read This Is Strategy?

Entrepreneurs seeking growth clarity without sacrificing their unique vision.
Corporate strategists striving for effective decision-making within complex systems.
Educators interested in applying strategic planning principles to innovate teaching methods.
Project managers navigating dynamic projects and looking for incisive tactical advice.
Individuals passionate about systems thinking and personal development for meaningful career changes.

About the author

Seth Godin is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and marketing expert. He has written 20 books translated into over 35 languages, including "Purple Cow" and "This Is Marketing." Godin holds an MBA from Stanford, founded several companies including Yoyodyne (acquired by Yahoo!), and was inducted into the Marketing Hall of Fame in 2018. He also runs popular online workshops and maintains one of the most widely-read blogs in the world.