In the previous article, the Direttissima method was introduced – the fastest path to the right strategy. It showed that under today’s complex conditions, traditional strategy processes are often too slow and cumbersome.

The key question is: What does it really take to develop a viable strategy?

After a major strategy project, I wondered how much of the effort had actually been necessary, and whether faster, more agile approaches were possible. As an amateur mountaineer, I thought of the difference between large Himalayan expeditions with hundreds of porters and later fast alpine ascents by small teams.

Another inspiration came from cybernetics, particularly the theory of essential variables by Ross W. Ashby. This theory states that a system must control a small number of critical variables to survive. Similarly, companies have central variables that determine their long-term success.

Cybernetics applied to business: The CPC logic

Reflecting on the project, it became clear that less than ten percent of the data collected was truly relevant for strategy. This led to the concept of Central Performance Controls (CPC), focusing on the company’s essential variables. Strategic work must concentrate on information that directly influences these core variables.

In-Out-In Logic

Direttissima follows a special In-Out-In logic: internal variables define which external information is relevant. This information is collected, analyzed, and projected back into corporate decision-making. Analyses that once took months can now be completed in a few days – as long as the right people are involved.

A further advantage: gaps in knowledge become visible and can be addressed immediately.

Search – Find – Decide

The method allows decisions to be made during the sessions because the responsible people are present. Searching, finding, and deciding alternate in a circular process. Compared to conventional methods, Direttissima usually requires only two to three two-day meetings over a few weeks.

Direttissima as a coherent thinking system

The strength of the method lies in freedom from rigid agendas. The CPC model provides guidance while allowing discussion to flow flexibly, without losing the overall context. Direttissima combines structure and flexibility: it is clear which factors matter, yet allows adaptive and associative discussion.

The result: high-quality strategies in a short time, which, due to the direct involvement of top management, are immediately implementable.

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