Good strategies are corner solutions
Insight
In optimization, a "corner solution" is an extreme point — all resources concentrated in one direction rather than evenly spread. Good strategies work the same way. They focus disproportionate resources and attention on a narrow front rather than spreading effort across every possible initiative. The power of a good strategy comes from concentration, not balance.
Why This Matters
Organizations default to compromise — give every division some budget, pursue every market, hedge every bet. This feels fair and safe but produces mediocrity. The insight that good strategies are corner solutions is a direct challenge to the instinct to spread risk. Real strategic advantage comes from going all-in where you have the best chance of winning.
Source Highlights
!Good Strategy Bad Strategy - Rumelt#^ref-46333