Understanding competitor moves

McKinsey Qtly survey finds that firms can easily anticipate what competitors will do next. Another article explains how to get inside competitors’ heads. .. but I’m still puzzled so little is written in this or any other strategy sources about what to actually do against competitors. It was a key part of my strategy role in practice, makes a huge difference to what can be achieved – and it’s fun!

Seize Advantage in a Downturn

More (mostly) helpful advice re the downturn from HBR is Seize the advantage in a downturn in which David Rhodes and Daniel Stelter of BCG offer thoughts to stabilize your business and find opportunities … but beware! Read more

Industry ‘power curves’ for real competitive strategy

Now here’s a really useful tool from McKinsey. Using ‘power curves’ to assess industry dynamics shows the value of seeing the size-distribution of competitors in an industry. It shows the tool for banking, chemicals, software and biotech. You can do much, much more with this though. Read more