Chairpersons and CEOs are at risk of becoming incremental in their thinking as a natural defense to today’s uncertain environment. We observe companies that are at risk of getting stuck given the extreme set of existential risk CEOs and Board members face in managing through today’s environment. They may take comfort from managing operational improvements within their control and shy away from bold choices that might deliver competitive advantage by fundamentally altering their strategy.
While performance matters, strategy and planning for the future have never been more important. The agenda for successful companies must move from being internal and operationally focused (the primary orientation during the pandemic), toward understanding and focusing on a new set of opportunities and risks.
To read the full Marakon Commentary on the risk of incrementalism and the importance of clear strategy during periods of uncertainty, click here.