Treat Strategy as a Framework, Not a Fixed Plan

In 2006, Netflix leaders gathered in a sunlit boardroom to discuss Project Griffin—their own streaming-device prototype. Reed Hastings, pacing in a chair, listened as engineers touted its tech prowess. But just days before launch, he made a bold call: kill it. The build was finished, but strategy demanded flexibility.

Hastings realized that owning hardware would divert them from being an entertainment platform. He spun off Griffin as Roku and refocused Netflix on licensing streaming apps. Within months, Netflix partnered with Xbox, delivering sudden wins on an already established device. The room’s coffee cups lay half-drunk, but the clarity that emerged fueled a far bigger success.

This story exemplifies strategy as a decision-making framework—rooted in vision—that guides tough calls, even when a launch is imminent. Strategy isn’t a detailed Gantt chart locked for a year; it’s a coherent set of intents that tell you when and why to pivot.

By crafting your own flexible strategy framework—anchored in vision, supported by strategic intents, and reinforced by regular reviews—you’ll empower your teams to adapt swiftly, avoid costly missteps, and stay aligned with long-term goals.

Start by reading your vision statement with key stakeholders, then agree on three to four outcome-focused strategic intents. Map each major effort to those intents so every initiative drives core goals, and schedule yourself quarterly checkpoints to review progress and adjust. This simple framework will keep you aligned while preserving agility. Try it this quarter.