In business strategy the Hedgehog Concept is developed in the book Good to Great by Jim Collins. It is not a goal to be the best, a strategy to be the best, an intention to be the best, or a plan to be the best. It is an understanding of what you can be the best at – and sticking to it - a distinction that is absolutely crucial. The Hedgehog Concept, or Core Focus™️ as EOS® calls it, is defined as the sweet spot intersection of two circles, as follows:
Defining your Hedgehog Concept is about clarifying what you do and why you do it. This is an iterative process. How valuable are these ideas on strategy when most leadership teams have too much to do already? It’s all about clarity. A clear strategy and vision ultimately leads to clarity with your people, your suppliers and your customers. Clarity translates into focus. With the increased intensity of focus, your people will accomplish more. Strategy drives revenue. If your company doesn’t want to grow, then these strategy elements will fall on deaf ears. Of course there’s a danger in not growing. As Ray Kroc, founder of McDonalds said, “When you're green you grow; when you're ripe, you rot.”
Whether or not you’re a stubborn hedgehog or a wily fox in business, understanding of what you can be the best in business at and stubbornly sticking to it, is a proven key to success. The Entrepreneurial Operating System® is a blueprint for building a growth-focused company. If you own a business and are feeling frustrated, stuck or unhappy there are a number of steps you can take today.