When David visited his brothers on the frontlines of a war with the Philistines, he was dismayed that no one of God's Army would accept Goliath's challenge: "Fight me and this will determine the whole outcome of the war. If I win, you will become our slaves." After he convinced King Saul to give him a chance--one that had lots of risk for the whole of Israel's army and Israel's nation--King Saul offered his own armor and sword to David. David tried it on. It did not fit. He didn't move well. So David resorted to what's worked against past, stronger, larger enemies: his sling.
In business, we often plagiarize other successful companies' strategies and tactics. The best imitators tweak those methods to fit their own corporate culture, their own processes, their own strengths and weaknesses. Sometimes I wonder if we shouldn't ignore them however. Perhaps those techniques from other companies are based on a different business model--competing on efficiency, price, etc.--than ours--innovation, customer knowledge, agility, adaptation, etc. If they are based on a contradictory business model, we shouldn't adopt the strategy or tactic.
The strategy may be very good and work very well...in its right place. In Acts 9, we learn Paul's method doesn't work in Damascus or Jerusalem. In fact, it seems Paul's strategy and tactics were hindering the churches throughout the region. Once he went home to Tarsus and ministered outside of Judea, he was successful. And the Judean churches enjoyed peace, increase in numbers and edification.
If something (or someone) in our business is not working, maybe "it"/"they" need to be used in a different place--region, business unit, job, etc.
So don't just copy someone else's strategy. It may not be for you.
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