Richard Rumelt's Good Strategy/Bad Strategy dissects the core elements of effective strategy, emphasizing the importance of confronting challenges head-on rather than settling for superficial goals.

The book contrasts good strategy, characterized by insightful diagnosis, guiding policies, and coherent actions, with bad strategy, often marked by fluff, a failure to make decisive choices, or mistaking goals for strategy.

Through diverse case studies ranging from military campaigns to corporate turnarounds, Rumelt illustrates how successful strategies focus resources and energy on pivotal objectives, creating a cascade of positive outcomes.

He examines common pitfalls like template-style planning and the allure of positive thinking, while highlighting the need for leaders to cultivate critical thinking and independent judgment.

The work champions the importance of a well-defined diagnosis of a company’s situation, as well as a focused, coordinated response that leverages unique advantages.

Ultimately, Rumelt argues that good strategy requires a willingness to confront difficult realities and make tough choices, leading to a more resilient and competitive organization.