Strategy Pillows

Risk Perception/Risk Assessment/Risk Management.

'Stay with me now, people, because in Step C, things get a bit delicate.'

'So, how bad is it? Who can bring me up to speed?'

'Don't be ridiculous, man! Of course there's no 'exit strategy'!'

"We need to rethink our strategy of hoping the Internet will just go away."

"Looks like we found the issue."

'Almost finished.'

"Look, I'd like to avoid overkill, but not at the risk of underkill."

"If I've timed this right, symptoms should start at exactly 9 a.m. Monday."

The devil is in desk bin titled 'The Details'

'Are you thinking what I'm thinking?'

'Which 'win' is ours? Because the one on the left looks bigger.'

'Now, keep in mind that these numbers are only as accurate as the fictitious data, ludicrous assumptions and wishful thinking they're based upon!'

"When I said to convince him of the need for change I was hoping you'd use the seductive power of reason and logic."

Thanks to compromise they were moving closer.

'Product diversification, I like that.'

A presenter with a very complex chart to explain a business plan - 'And it's as simple as that!'

'Don't let it throw you - It's just a negotiating tactic.'

Management of Change

'How are we going to achieve our goal this year?'

"The trend in tough economic times is to put off everything that doesn't require immediate action ? as this chart shows."

"Wentworth, could I take another look at that reorganization plan?"

'Our strategy is perfect! This is the customers' fault - they don't think the way WE do!'

Planning ahead.

'Once you get the hang of it, crisis management is fairly straightforward.'

'Any questions?'

'At our last meeting we decided to go for broke. Well, mission accomplished.'

'Could we finish these negotiations via e-mail? That will allow me to think before I respond to your proposals.'

'I'm afraid the meeting will start a little late, the strategic business planning team are lost in the building somewhere.'

Our succession plan is we don't talk about it!

'Hey! We've never tried a 'pity' strategy before...'

'I'd love to add something to this discussion but I have no idea what we're talking about.'

'It's simple. First we look at the upside. Then we look at the downside. Then we look at the upside-down side.'

'If it's any consolation, our lack of business innovation will be the subject of analysis in some of the finest M.B.A. programs in the country.'

'I vote we hang the darn thing upside down and go home!'