“Winning should be at the heart of every strategy.” – A.G. Lafley & Roger L. Martin in their book Playing to Win
A.G. Lafley and Roger L. Martin are prominent figures in the field of strategic management, particularly known for their collaborative work on the book “Playing to Win: How Strategy Really Works,” published in 2013. This book has become a cornerstone in understanding how organizations can effectively develop and implement winning strategies.
A.G. Lafley, born on June 13, 1947, is best known for his tenure as the CEO of Procter & Gamble (P&G), where he led the company through significant transformations. Under his leadership, P&G doubled its sales and expanded its portfolio of billion-dollar brands. Lafley emphasized a consumer-centric approach, advocating that understanding consumer needs is essential for driving innovation and growth. His mantra, “Consumer is Boss,” reflects his belief in prioritizing customer insights in strategic decision-making.
Roger L. Martin, born on August 4, 1956, is a respected academic and former Dean of the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. He is recognized for his contributions to strategic thinking and management theory, particularly through his development of integrative thinking and design thinking concepts. Martin’s work emphasizes the importance of making strategic choices that align with an organization’s goals and capabilities.
In “Playing to Win,” Lafley and Martin present a framework for strategy that revolves around five key choices: defining a winning aspiration, determining where to play, deciding how to win, identifying core capabilities, and establishing management systems. The quote, “Winning should be at the heart of every strategy,” encapsulates the essence of their approach, which asserts that a clear focus on winning is crucial for effective strategy formulation. This perspective encourages organizations to be deliberate in their choices and to align their resources and efforts toward achieving competitive advantage.
The book has been widely referenced by business leaders and strategists who appreciate its practical insights and actionable frameworks. Lafley and Martin’s emphasis on the importance of winning as a strategic objective resonates with many organizations striving to navigate complex market dynamics and achieve sustainable growth. Their collaborative work continues to influence strategic management practices across various industries, reinforcing the idea that a winning mindset is essential for success.
