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5 questions that build a stronger business strategy

By: The Strayer University Editorial Team

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Winning strategy doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, some of the most effective strategic thinking comes down to asking the right questions and being honest about your answers.

Legendary GE CEO Jack Welch built his reputation on this kind of practical, no-nonsense approach to leadership and execution – and it’s the philosophy at the heart of the Jack Welch Management Institute (JWMI) MBA at Strayer University.

Whether you’re navigating a crowded field or looking to strengthen your position, these five questions can help sharpen how you think about business strategy.

1. What does your competitive landscape look like?

Before you can make a smart move, you need a clear picture of the playing field. That means understanding not just who your rivals are, but how they stack up and where you fit in.

  • Who’s active in your market, and are they established brands, emerging challengers and new entrants alike?
  • Where does your company currently hold market share, and where are the gaps?
  • How do your rivals’ products, R&D investment, sales capacity and culture compare to yours?
  • Who are your core customers, and how do they make buying decisions?

2. What has your competition been doing?

A lot can change in a year. Understanding what your competitors are up to now can help you stay a step ahead instead of playing catch-up.

  • Which players have reshaped the landscape recently, and how?
  • Has anyone launched a game-changing product, embraced emerging technology or opened an untapped distribution channel?
  • Are there new entrants on the horizon, and what have they been signaling?

3. What has your company done to get ahead?

This question requires some genuine self-reflection. It’s easy to get so focused on what others are doing that you lose track of your own momentum or miss a gap you’ve left open.

  • What moves has your organization made in the past year to strengthen your standing in the field?
  • Have you expanded through acquisition, launched something new, brought in key talent or adopted a new platform?
  • Are there advantages you once had that have quietly eroded – a standout product, a key team member or a proprietary edge?

4. What competitive threats are on the horizon?

Reactive strategy is costly. Taking time to anticipate what’s coming lets you plan for your company’s priorities and goals instead of scrambling to respond to everyone else’s moves.

  • What one or two developments in your industry could most threaten your position in the next year?
  • Is your top talent engaged, well-supported and motivated to stay?
  • What products, technologies, business models or strategic moves by others in your space could fundamentally change the game in your industry?

5. What’s your winning move?

This is where strategy gets exciting. Once you’ve worked through the first four questions, you’re in a much stronger position to identify the moves that’ll actually matter.

  • What action would most meaningfully shift the balance in your favor – an acquisition, a new product, geographic expansion or a talent investment?
  • What would make your customers more loyal to you than to anyone else?

Ready to take your business leadership to the next level?

Working through these five questions isn’t a one-time exercise. It’s an ongoing conversation that evolves as your market shifts and your team grows. The businesses that pull ahead are the ones with a clear direction, the right people in the right roles and a culture relentlessly focused on continuous improvement.

The JWMI MBA is built around this kind of practical, applied business education. You’ll develop the mindset, analytical skills and confidence to guide your organization with clarity and purpose.

Choose the path that fits your goals:

Category: JWMI

Published Date: AUGUST 27, 2026