This book has been beautifully voiced and narrated by Soha.M, and thoughtfully produced by Praimeri
📘 Summary of Playing to Win

Authors: A.G. Lafley (former CEO of Procter & Gamble) & Roger L. Martin (strategy advisor)

Core Idea:

Strategy isn’t about vague goals or broad aspirations—it’s about making clear, specific choices that give a company a competitive advantage. The book breaks down strategy into a practical framework that any organization can use to win in its chosen market.

🧩 The 5 Key Strategic Choices:

1. What is your winning aspiration?

• Define your purpose: What does winning look like for your business?
• It’s not just about surviving or being “the best” — it's about where and how you aim to win.

1. Where will you play?

• Choose the playing field: Which markets, geographies, customer segments, channels, etc.?
• You can’t play everywhere — be focused.

1. How will you win?

• Define your competitive advantage: Cost leadership? Differentiation?
• What makes you better than others in your chosen space?

1. What capabilities must be in place?

• Identify the unique skills, tech, or systems you need to execute your strategy.
• Think: product innovation, supply chain, marketing prowess, etc.

1. What management systems are required?

• Put the structures in place: metrics, culture, reviews, incentives.
• These keep your strategy alive and evolving.

🏭 Real-World Application – Procter & Gamble (P&G):

Lafley shares how these principles helped transform P&G. For example:

• Focused on consumer-driven innovation.
• Picked “categories and countries” where they could lead.
• Invested in specific brands instead of spreading too thin.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Strategy is about making tough choices, not trying to be all things to all people.
• A good strategy is coherent, aligned across all five questions.
• Without a clear "where to play" and "how to win," you're just guessing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.