Success derives from two components: strategy and execution.  Notice what’s missing from the list: results.

Results tell if you’ve been successful, but they don’t show how to be successful.  In fact, poor results may occur despite the best possible decision based on what was known at the time.  Similarly, great results might occur in spite of poor decision making.

The real key to understanding success is found not in the decisions, but in the decision making process.  Regardless of outcome, get in the habit of examining your process of strategic thinking and strategy execution.  Refining that will lead to success.

“Whenever someone says, ‘We have the right strategy, we just need to execute better,’ I make sure to take an extra-close look at the strategy.”  (Phil Rosenzweig)

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