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Here are several quotes of wisdom from **Michael E. Porter**, the renowned Harvard Business School professor and father of modern competitive strategy. His insights span strategy, competition, social impact, and shared value:
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**1.** *“The essence of strategy is choosing what not to do.”*
> Strategy is as much about trade-offs and focus as it is about action. Trying to do everything dilutes effectiveness.
**2.** *“Sound strategy starts with having the right goal.”*
> Clear, long-term objectives are the foundation of meaningful competitive advantage.
**3.** *“The company without a strategy is willing to try anything.”*
> Without a guiding framework, organizations risk reacting instead of leading.
**4.** *“Strategy is about making choices, trade-offs; it’s about deliberately choosing to be different.”*
> Differentiation, not imitation, is the path to sustainable success.
**5.** *“Competitive advantage grows out of the entire system of activities. The fit among activities substantially reduces cost or increases differentiation.”*
> A company’s value lies not just in individual strengths but in how well its activities reinforce one another.
**6.** *“The social responsibility of business is to create shared value.”*
> Porter advocates a shift from pure profit to *shared value*, where business success aligns with societal progress.
**7.** *“If all you’re trying to do is essentially the same thing as your rivals, then it’s unlikely that you’ll be very successful.”*
> True competitiveness demands originality and strategic positioning.
**8.** *“Don’t assume the answer lies in the middle of two extremes. Strategy is often about choosing one path and doing it well.”*
> Mediocrity often comes from compromise; strength comes from clarity and commitment.
**9.** *“The purpose of business is to create and keep a customer.”*
— often attributed in various forms, this aligns with Porter’s view that value creation must center on customer needs.
**10.** *“Businesses must reconnect company success with social progress.”*
— from his concept of *Creating Shared Value (CSV)*
> Companies thrive long-term when they improve the communities and ecosystems they serve.
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Let me know if you’d like these grouped around themes like competition, leadership, or social impact — or reflected upon in a specific context.