Large enterprises struggle to adapt to and grow in market shifts. The more volatile the economy, the bigger the losses. D’Aveni’s 7S stands out for its practicality and actionable approach. Let’s dive into it.
The key lies not just in the framework itself, but in the segmentation of skills into the concrete and the variable.

Hard Skills for Enterprise Growth:
Concrete, measurable, and essential—these hard skills serve as the bedrock for enterprise resilience and adaptability.
Stakeholder Satisfaction:
Excelling in stakeholder satisfaction is the heartbeat of sustained growth. Get community feedback through regular surveys, forums, and your social media channels.
➡️ Zappos has created a loyal customer base by always prioritizing customer satisfaction.
Strategic Soothsaying:
Anticipating market trends is pivotal. Leverage data analytics and market research to forecast industry shifts.
➡️ Netflix identified the digital transformation, adapted to it swiftly, and won a bigger % of the market share by transitioning from a DVD rental service to a streaming giant.
Speedy Execution:
Be nimble enough to capitalize on opportunities as they emerge. This might involve streamlining decision-making processes or fostering a culture that encourages experimentation and enterprise growth.
➡️ Toyota is one of the many industry giants that use the Kanban system to manage production, allowing them to make quick decisions and adapt to changes.
Scaling with Soft Skills:
Nuanced, variable, and intertwined with a company’s culture. Leaders excelling with these soft skills define the definition of adaptability and distinctiveness.
Surprise Effect:
To stand out, you need to disrupt. Reshape the market by envisioning your customers’ needs before them. Remember what Ford said? “If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.”
➡️ Apple’s launch of the iPhone revolutionized the mobile industry, catching competitors off guard.
Shifting the Game:
Don’t just play the game; change it. Identify norms in your industry. Look for ways to redefine them, gaining a competitive edge.
➡️ Uber disrupted the taxi industry by introducing a platform that challenged traditional transportation models.
Strategic Intent:
Be explicit about your vision. Align your team and win over new stakeholders, through clear strategic intent. Show them that you are aiming for further enterprise growth.
➡️ Elon Musk’s ambitious vision for SpaceX to colonize Mars rallied his team and attracted public attention and investment.
Simultaneous and Sequential Strategic Thrust:
Balance short-term gains with long-term sustainability. Focus on immediate objectives, but ensure they align with the broader strategic vision.
➡️ Amazon’s achieves dual emphasis on immediate customer satisfaction and long-term dominance. How? Innovations like Prime and AWS showcase this duality.
D’Aveni’s 7S offers a holistic approach to crush your competition. Embrace this framework and position your enterprise to endure an ever-evolving marketplace.