Sunrise vs Sunset Strategy

Image: Mark Easdown.

One of the aspects I most enjoy about conversations is the ideas and insights that arise. Sometimes those conversations are face to face, but more often, these days, they are virtual, and we are learning how to see them as far more than substitutes for "the real thing" to understand they are a real thing in their own right.

The image above came from Mark Easdown in Australia, who sent it after some exchanges. He noticed that I like to use photographs with my blog - a generous gesture much appreciated.
As I reflected on what is happening in traditional organisations dealing with new problems, the image triggered a thought around "sunrise" and "sunset" strategies.

Strategy is a vast area, made even bigger by the thousands of articles, books and consultant proposals created every day. The insight Mark's image triggered was despite the volume, there are only two sorts that matter.

Sunset strategies are those developed by established organisations feeling the pressure of th…