Tuesday, 7 January 2025

HEDGEHOG CONCEPT

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Hedgehog Concept is a strategic framework introduced by Jim Collins in his book Good to Great. It is based on the idea that organizations (and individuals) achieve greatness by focusing on what they can do exceptionally well, while avoiding distractions or pursuits outside of their core strengths.

The concept draws inspiration from an ancient Greek parable: "The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing." Foxes pursue many strategies to catch the hedgehog, but the hedgehog always defends itself successfully with its singular focus—rolling into a spiky ball.

The Three Circles of the Hedgehog Concept:

To determine their Hedgehog Concept, organizations must find the intersection of three key areas:

  1. What You Are Deeply Passionate About:

    • Identify the core mission, values, or activities that inspire genuine passion.
  2. What You Can Be the Best in the World At:

    • Focus on the unique strength or capability that can make you world-class, not just good or competitive.
  3. What Drives Your Economic Engine:

    • Understand the key economic factor or metric that sustains long-term financial success, such as a specific revenue stream or efficiency driver.

Application:

The Hedgehog Concept is about simplification and clarity. Instead of trying to excel at everything, successful organizations focus their resources and efforts on the singular intersection of these three areas. This discipline ensures that energy isn’t wasted on activities outside their potential for greatness.

Individual Use:

The Hedgehog Concept can also apply to personal career development:

  • What are you passionate about?
  • What are you uniquely skilled at or have the potential to excel in?
  • What can you pursue sustainably, whether through income or life purpose?

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