Strategy and the Fat Smoker: Doing What’s Obvious But Not Easy

Unlock the secrets to lasting success with David Maister's insightful and pragmatic guide, "Strategy and the Fat Smoker: Doing What's Obvious But Not Easy." This isn't your typical strategy book filled with complex theories and abstract models. Instead, Maister, a renowned expert in professional service firms, cuts to the heart of the matter: execution. He tackles the universal challenge of knowing what needs to be done but struggling to consistently implement it, a phenomenon he aptly terms the "Fat Smoker Syndrome." This groundbreaking book, published in its First American Hardcover Edition in 2008 by The Spangle Press, offers a refreshing perspective on strategy. Maister argues that in today's competitive landscape, most organizations understand the fundamental principles of success delivering exceptional client service, fostering teamwork, creating a positive work environment, and investing in the future. The real differentiator, however, lies not in *what* you know, but in *how consistently* you execute those known principles. Drawing on his extensive experience consulting with leading professional service firms across various industries, Maister dissects the reasons why organizations, and individuals, consistently fall short of their potential. He delves into the short-term temptations that derail long-term goals, the organizational inertia that resists change, and the management practices that inadvertently hinder execution. "Strategy and the Fat Smoker" goes beyond identifying the problem; it provides practical and actionable solutions. Through 18 thought-provoking chapters, Maister provides a framework for: * **Reframing Strategy:** Shifting the focus from elaborate strategic planning to building a culture of consistent execution. * **Understanding Clients:** Developing a deep understanding of client needs and exceeding their expectations through superior service. * **Optimizing Marketing and Sales:** Building effective marketing and sales strategies that align with the organization's core values and long-term goals. * **Improving Management:** Implementing management practices that empower employees, foster collaboration, and drive accountability. Maister's writing style is clear, concise, and engaging, making complex concepts accessible to a wide audience. He uses real-world examples and relatable anecdotes to illustrate his points, making the book both informative and enjoyable to read. The book's enduring appeal lies in its recognition of human nature's tendency to prioritize short-term gratification over long-term benefit. This hardcover edition, boasting 274 pages of invaluable insights, is a must-read for leaders, managers, and anyone seeking to improve their personal and professional effectiveness. It offers a practical roadmap for overcoming the "Fat Smoker Syndrome" and achieving sustainable success by consistently doing what you already know is good for you. David Maister, a former Harvard Business School professor, is a globally recognized authority on the management of professional service firms. His other acclaimed books include "Managing the Professional Service Firm" and "True Professionalism." He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to "Strategy and the Fat Smoker," making it an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to build a high-performing organization. If you're tired of strategy books that promise the world but deliver little in the way of practical guidance, "Strategy and the Fat Smoker" is the book for you. Discover how to bridge the gap between knowing and doing, and unlock your organization's full potential.