I read a recent article from the Harvard Business Review titled, 6 Strategic Concepts That Set High-Performing Companies Apart.  Of the six strategic concepts cited, four were directly related to interconnectedness.  One was also indirectly related.

To some extent, in my own business I am using the four concepts directly related to interconnectedness.  To truly assess if you are using these strategic concepts, you'll likely need to read the article, but here is  a brief summary.

Authors, Kaihan Krippendorff and Robert C. Wolcott call the first concept Borrow Someone's Road.  As you might guess, this is not a new strategy, but in today's business environment it is easier than it has ever been for companies to integrate seamlessly into partner channels. Reaching markets through channel partners as opposed to going direct is the essence of this first strategic concept.

The second concept is to actively engage in partnerships even with potential competitors.  Again, in today's business environment technologies allow easy integration and coordination with complementary products and services to a greater extent than previously.  

Reveal Your Strategy is the third concept they cite.  The idea here is that the transparency found in sharing your intent attracts partnerships that make sense and enable strategically useful alliances. 

Throughout the article, Krippendorff and Wolcott share interesting statistics to support their writing.  The statistic I found most significant was "Outperformers are 85% more likely to cite [the "be good" approach]."  This strategic concept encourages pursuing a strategy whereby your growth supports the success of other organizations or "communities." This is the fourth concept.

The fifth concept is also known as the "fast follower" strategy.  Rather than being the first to market with a new idea, product, or service, let others blaze the trail.  Be poised  to leapfrog them if they prove the opportunity successfully.

The sixth and final concept featured is not new - none of these are, really.  But, like all the others, it is currently proving successful at a high rate.  The sixth concept is based on the “act, learn, build” approach.  This movement has been growing for many years - think double diamond design process, the lean startup, agile, etc.  But, technological advancements have allowed businesses to process data more efficiently which improves learning from small-scale actions and accelerates adjustments.

Do any of these approaches align with your strategy?