How Regenerative Leaders Build Enduring Strategic Advantages

Strategic thinking
There are several frameworks for thinking about strategy. One of most commonly used framework is SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis. Then there is the framework of vertical and horizontal integration, which looks at the value chains and their components to derive advantages. The theory competitive advantage proposed by Michel Porter that suggests the firms need to choose from aiming for product leadership, operational leadership (cost advantage), or market focus. Hamel and Prahalad proposed a framework of core competencies. Claton Christensen proposes a framework that deals with forces of innovation and their impact on successful incumbants and entrants. Then there are some other frameworks that analyze possible leveraging of capabilities outside the organization.

The landscape of strategy theories and framework is very big and complex. The challenge for a Regenerative Leader is to find simple ways of integrating these principles in strategy thinking and implementation.

Sewing it all together
Every organization needs leaders who think ahead (strategic thinking). The leaders should have the capabilities for seeing things as they are inside and outside the organization. They need ability to generate, attract, and select powerful ideas. They must have the courage to define and implement values in their decision making. They must be able to identify means for enhancing value (customer benefit). Finally they should be able to convert all thinking into specific actions. These are Regenerative Leader's abilities. All these abilities are needed for using any strategic framework.

If such leadership capabilities exist at all levels in an organization, then it can draw upon strategic frameworks and tools that are appropriate. Not just that, such an organization will have the capabilities for implementing the strategies in dynamic situations. It is therefore vital to build Regenerative Leadership capabilities in an organization for building sustainable competitive advantages.