A hedgehog or a Fox? The Battle of Approaches

Foxes are so fast, they are aware of their environment, they can assess distances accurately and they have multiple strategies to attack hedgehogs (Porcupine-like animals but smaller) … however the porcupine has only one strategy; curling into a ball and raising spines…

Hedgehogs simplify the world around them and focus on a single, coherent vision which magnifies their win chances., unlike foxes who can get easily scattered and distracted

According to the Greeks:

“The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing”

This is what Jim Collins coined in his book (Good to Great) as “The Hedgehog concept”

It lies at the intersection of 3 questions;

What you are deeply passionate about?

What can you be the best in the world at?

What drives your economic engine?

This concept is an intention to be the best, a plan to be the best. It is an understanding of what you can be the best at.

It requires the discipline to say, “Just because we are good at it—just because we’re making money and generating growth—doesn’t necessarily mean we can become the best at it.”

In the corporate world, both foxes and hedgehogs exist—and both play crucial roles. Fox-like professionals thrive in dynamic environments, quickly adapting to market shifts, experimenting with new ideas, and navigating uncertainty with agility. However, their tendency to chase multiple opportunities at once can sometimes lead to distraction or a lack of sustained focus.

On the other hand, hedgehog-like individuals bring clarity and depth. They commit to a singular vision, mastering their domain with persistence and consistency. These are the leaders who build strong, enduring strategies, ensuring long-term stability and resilience. But their rigid focus may sometimes limit their ability to pivot when change is necessary.

What applies to individuals applies also to corporates.

This is a pivotal reason why Kimberly Clark have dominated that market with their category-killer brand “Kleenex”. Kleenex thrived by being first, staying relevant, and consistently delivering quality and convenience. It transformed a simple product into an everyday necessity and an iconic brand.

How Gillette demonstrated the power of captive products by lunching “Mach 3”. By investing heavily in advertising, Gillette ensured that consumers associated Mach3 with precision, comfort, and a superior shaving experience. Once users got accustomed to the smooth shave, they were unlikely to downgrade to cheaper options.

How Walgreens Stores raised the concept of profit per customer rather than per store ( 9 stores per mile square) Instead of worrying about sales per store, they focused on capturing the largest share of customer spending by being the most convenient option in any neighborhood.

A simple strategy can outsmart complex ones!

And finally, Are you a hedgehog or a fox?

Sherif.