Winning by subtraction

“The essence of strategy is choosing what not to do.” ~ Michael Porter

We often glorify addition - new projects, new features, new markets.
But great strategy is rarely about doing more. It’s about focusing more.

Let’s explore why strategic subtraction might be the most underrated leadership skill of all. 👇

 🔥Today’s Deep Dive

Winning by subtraction

🔮A leadership moment

When Steve Jobs returned to Apple in 1997, the company was struggling with a sprawling product line - over 350 products, many overlapping and confusing customers.

Instead of adding more, Jobs did something radical: he cut the product line down to just four core products - one desktop and one portable for both consumers and professionals.

At first, it seemed risky. But by focusing on fewer initiatives, Apple regained clarity, improved quality, and accelerated innovation. Products like the iMac and eventually the iPod became iconic, reshaping the company’s trajectory.

That’s the power of strategic subtraction - knowing that less can deliver more, when focus is applied wisely.

🧠Why it works 

Cognitive science shows that the human brain has a limited capacity for focus and decision-making - something known as cognitive load theory.
The more tasks or goals we juggle, the less depth and creativity we bring to any of them.

A Harvard study found that teams with fewer active priorities outperform those chasing too many goals by as much as 30 - 40%, mainly because they channel energy and attention more effectively.

Strategy, in that sense, is not a to-do list - it’s a stop-doing list.

🤺Practice the principle

Here’s how to apply Strategic Subtraction in your own work or team:

1. Audit your energy:
List everything your team (or you) are currently working on.
Ask: If we had to drop one thing today, which would have the least impact?

2. Define your 3:
Pick only the top 3 goals or priorities that move the needle most.
Everything else supports them - or gets paused.

3. Schedule a “Subtraction Review” once a month:
Instead of asking “What should we start next?”, ask “What should we stop now?”

🧭 Key takeaway for leaders

The world rewards speed and expansion - but leadership often requires the courage to say no.

Subtraction isn’t the opposite of growth - it’s what makes growth sustainable.

What’s one project, task, or initiative in your work right now that could be stopped - freeing space and energy for what truly matters?

♻️If this resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to read it.