For the weirdest reason, I figured my answers might be biased so I took my strategy document and asked ChatGPT to assess it based on the 3 questions. 😁
The first question was a no. The second was a maybe until I used your exact question. The last one question I didn’t ask because I currently run my business solo.
This is just so cool, Shashank. I love the framework you've provided here. It's so simple but seems so powerful. I can already see how this could be so useful for brainstorming and diagnosing the positioning statements for businesses. And it could lead to propositions that are persuasive and memorable. I really enjoyed the graphics too!
I love the actionable items! When I’m confronted with vague claims like “we want to be the best,” I usually ask, “How does that translate into day-to-day operations across departments?” Although in startups, ‘department’ doesn’t really mean a team—it’s more often the time of day a team member dedicates to a particular aspect of the business. But that’s another topic.
Now I’ll use the ‘does the opposite sound stupid?’ question. If yes, then it’s not strategy. It’s not being an idiot—which is great—but that alone isn’t a strategy. It’s just a prerequisite for doing business.
Well said Moe. Being not an idiot is indeed just a prerequisite of doing business and not strategy :). I love the question you ask about day to day operations. That is what strategy should help with.
For the weirdest reason, I figured my answers might be biased so I took my strategy document and asked ChatGPT to assess it based on the 3 questions. 😁
What did GPT say? :)
The first question was a no. The second was a maybe until I used your exact question. The last one question I didn’t ask because I currently run my business solo.
Ah. I think then we need to make it more specific :) Happy to help if you want to brainstorm :)
This is just so cool, Shashank. I love the framework you've provided here. It's so simple but seems so powerful. I can already see how this could be so useful for brainstorming and diagnosing the positioning statements for businesses. And it could lead to propositions that are persuasive and memorable. I really enjoyed the graphics too!
Thank you Chintan. The idea was to keep it simple so that people can remember it and use it effectively. I am really glad you enjoyed the graphics :)
All good, but the last one is gold.
Your 3-question strategy tool changes the game. I love how you make evaluating strategy so simple yet sharp.
Thank you Petar. I am glad you like it :)
Love the simplicity of the 3 questions as a sanity check ✅
Thank you Chris
Great article, it genuinely made me chuckle. Strategy textbooks are typically 200-300 pages. We got the basics covered here on 2-3 pages!
Thank you Jens :)
I love the actionable items! When I’m confronted with vague claims like “we want to be the best,” I usually ask, “How does that translate into day-to-day operations across departments?” Although in startups, ‘department’ doesn’t really mean a team—it’s more often the time of day a team member dedicates to a particular aspect of the business. But that’s another topic.
Now I’ll use the ‘does the opposite sound stupid?’ question. If yes, then it’s not strategy. It’s not being an idiot—which is great—but that alone isn’t a strategy. It’s just a prerequisite for doing business.
Well said Moe. Being not an idiot is indeed just a prerequisite of doing business and not strategy :). I love the question you ask about day to day operations. That is what strategy should help with.
Sounds like DOGE applied to minor executives to me.