Core Insights - The article discusses the phenomenon of "strategic misalignment" within organizations, where capable employees begin to resist management due to unclear strategic direction [1][2][3] - Strategic misalignment is characterized by three main issues: disappearing boundaries, internal organizational friction, and innovation stagnation, all stemming from a lack of clear strategic direction [4][13] Disappearing Boundaries - Strategic boundaries define where a company should compete and what it should avoid, but when these boundaries blur, decision-making shifts from "should we do this" to "can we do this" [5][6] - This shift leads to a proliferation of initiatives that dilute focus, resulting in a situation where the organization becomes busy but lacks clear priorities [7][8] Internal Organizational Friction - As organizations grow, the collaboration between departments often deteriorates, leading to silos where each department operates independently, resulting in inefficiencies [9][10] - This internal friction manifests as increased meetings, slower decision-making, and a lack of clarity on what drives growth, ultimately eroding the organization's judgment and collaborative spirit [11][12] Innovation Stagnation - Continuous strategic misalignment and organizational dysfunction lead to a decline in innovation, where new ideas become scarce and the organization becomes risk-averse [11][12] - The focus shifts from bold experimentation to merely maintaining stability, which can result in long-term decline despite outward appearances of activity [12][13] Rebuilding Strategic Focus - To address strategic misalignment, organizations must re-establish clear strategic direction, which involves making tough choices about priorities and resource allocation [14][15] - The process of strategic focus includes four key cycles: convergence, transmission, boundaries, and feedback, which help to clarify direction and ensure alignment across the organization [17][30] Case Studies - Procter & Gamble's transformation involved shedding around 100 brands to focus on 70-80 core brands, demonstrating the importance of strategic convergence [19][20] - Schneider Electric's "China Hub" strategy illustrates how clear communication and local empowerment can enhance strategic transmission and execution [24][25] - Airbnb's response to the COVID-19 pandemic showcases the importance of strategic feedback, as the company refocused on its core offerings to navigate through crisis [32][33] Conclusion - The article emphasizes that true strategic focus is not about doing less but about doing the right things more effectively, which requires a clear understanding of direction and boundaries [44][45] - Organizations that can align their strategic focus with employee motivation will foster a culture where capable individuals are not seen as disruptive but as catalysts for evolution [47][48]