I’m challenged today by David Maister’s wonderful reflection over at Help Me With My Strategy Please, and his questions inspire responses from many of us who relate!
David listed his strategic challenges and choices and asked for input … something bloggers rarely mind passing out liberally! No exception here .... Many have already given the wiser replies … but I’ve used David’s wisdom lots ... so decided to take a shot at responding too. 
a) When David pioneered writing about professional businesses there may have been fewer people but now there are fewer at his level who keep up and leap in with the younger and older crowd as he does so well!
b) David has a lifetime of experience to weave throughout new industries and knowledge-intensive businesses cotton to his specialty … so while his positioning may move his reputation as our specialist is secured by his track record!
c) David impacts two huge audiences. One is a younger set who dream with him and share their life-changing ambitions in the rare climate of trust he created for them! This group grows because people like David stick with them and grow with them!
d) The top officers in top firms are equally challenged by the way David Maister steps to the cutting edge and rides the bus with them – while pushing it at the same time. Not an easy task – and one that takes talent to advance!
e) David’s younger set read his blogs, and even write for them which keeps him interacting with tomorrow’s leaders … and it’s the way it should be!
f) The top officers may be harder to reach, needs David to challenge and laugh with them as they hang onto parts of the brain’s basal ganglia that younger sets abandon at times for the more current working memory life! The brain needs both, Leadership needs both and both need David’s infusion of fun, wisdom, laughter and adventure!
g) While David’s choices are not really driven by economics money tends to chase success and I wish him both – because that will keep him well heeled at the edges where we can continue to interact and enjoy his wisdom. Nuff said – both audiences will continue to energize and challenge you delightfully … David … as long as you chase the same PASSION, PEOPLE AND PRINCIPLES I’ve watched you chase. All the best – you deserve it!
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