Strategy not (yet) a thing that
amuse me. Even though some of my friends think that strategy discipline and
theory is a must and must be studied at the present time if you want to be a
leader or CEO, I know that you need to prove your hard skill first before
moving to middle managerial level. One book that capture my attention to
strategy was Playing To Win by AG Lafley and Roger L. Martin. Not only this
book advertised in HBR Magazines, but also some prominent business newspaper
add it to their must-read list.
After spending a month to
finish this book, I realized that it is nowhere near Age of Turbulence or
Freakonomics or Undercover Economist. It is more like insider reports on how AG
Lafley run Procter & Gamble during his tenure, written in academics
language, accompanied with some flowchart. No wonder HBR Press was chosen to
publish it.
For a common person who curious
to read about strategy, Playing To Win feels dry and boring. It use too much
academics jargon, tried to offer too many things in its 270 pages, and its
examples are too few. Most mentioned brand is Olay (so that I thought this book
should be renamed : The Story of Olay), followed by SK II, Febreze, and Colgate.
These writers never mention P&G crown jewel, Pantene, nor explain
specifically why some brands were utter failure.
Aside from its academic writing
style and dryness, Playing To Win is a must have book for economic major
scholars. It gives theory and practical examples about how to plan and execute
strategy effectively. It also provide summaries at the end of every chapters to
give its readers clearer points. These pointed summaries are very helpful if
readers wants to understand what their points, but unwilling to read many
pages.
I hope in the future Lafley and
Martin willing to rewrite or polishing this book so common people could read
without yawning or opening some business dictionary. Maybe with the help of
Stephen J. Dubner as the editor or they hire some ghostwriters to rewrite
Playing To Win. A strategy book that appeal and attractive to mass readers is
essential if they want their message reach broader audience. Three from 5
strars for Playing To Win
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