"There are always important business issues forming like storm clouds on the horizon, but that are not yet so potent that they seem to demand your concerted attention. However, this is precisely the best time to focus on these issues and decide whether you should put more resources against them—right now. By doing so, you can gain an advantage over your competitors who haven’t even glanced at the horizon yet or, if they have, are waiting to see what develops before they take any action. The danger is that, if you don’t look ahead, those emerging wisps of vapor can rapidly turn into fast-moving thunderheads that hit before you’ve lifted a finger, especially if a competitor has taken action.

All too frequently I read in the business press about a new strategy miracle that underpins the rising fortunes of some company or executive, and I am struck by how out-of-date the story and the “news” really are. For example, I recently read a feature about the miracle of flexible manufacturing and how Chrysler, in an effort to lower costs, would be implementing a system that enabled the company to assemble more than one car platform on a single assembly line."