I used to think a good strategy was about making the best decision. Now I think it’s about getting the least painful “yes” from the loudest stakeholder. Anyone else feel like compromise ends up watering down everything we build?

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I respectfully disagree with the comments above. An agency’s unique value often comes back to outside perspective. In an ideal world we’re not paid to feed back what a stakeholder wants to hear - instead we give them the truth and an inspired way to act on it.

Totally empathize with your feeling of watered down work, OP. Keep fighting the good fight. It’s probably not the majority of clients but it guess 30% of clients are genuinely up for being challenged/ getting to the best path forward. Try not to let the bureaucracy beat the passion out of you 💪

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Depending on the circumstances (sounds like yours for the case), the least painful yes from the loudest stakeholder IS the best decision. Don’t conflate strategy with leadership - you aren’t paid to be the boss. If you embrace the bounds of your role you’ll find it pretty freeing but don’t stop pushing for/learning how to best sell through the optimal strategic direction

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The role of a strategist isn’t to be right it’s to be persuasive. Football analogy, no one will pass to the lone wolf play that is just in it for themselves. Communications is a team sport.

If you can’t persuade that you are right, then you’re not right.

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