Five quick questions for better strategy

A good strategy isn't a glossy manifesto; it's a plan that can be vetted with five concrete questions. The piece starts by separating mission, vision, and strategy, then shows how to judge a strategy's quality beyond buzzwords. It asks whether the logic holds together, whether trade-offs are acknowledged, whether the choice is distinctive, and whether the plan is constantly re-checked against new realities.

The author leans on Richard Rumelt's criticism of "fluff" and Roger Martin's opposite-is-stupid test to illustrate each question. A strategy that simply restates the obvious fails the logic test. Ignoring trade-offs invites unrealistic expectations-no one can be the cheapest, most innovative, and have the best product simultaneously. Distinctiveness means competitors wouldn't make the same choice without looking foolish. Regular checks keep the plan anchored to evolving tech trends and market shifts.

For technical leaders, this framework is a shortcut to cut through strategic noise and focus on decisions that truly move the organization forward. By applying the five questions, you can quickly surface hidden assumptions, prioritize investments, and align teams around a coherent direction that can be defended and adapted as conditions change.