Is Your Strategy One-Dimensional or Three-Dimensional for Real-World Success

Every year, about 70% of strategic initiatives fail. This high failure rate is not because the plans themselves are bad. Instead, it’s because most strategies focus on only one dimension: what you plan to do. They outline your vision, goals, and the actions you will take. While this proactive approach is essential, it is only one part of a successful strategy.

Real-world strategy operates across three forces: proactive, reactive, and values. Ignoring the reactive and values dimensions leaves your strategy vulnerable when unexpected challenges arise. This post explores why a three-dimensional strategy is crucial and how you can build one that stands the test of reality.

Understanding the Three Forces of Strategy

Most strategy documents focus on the proactive force. This is your plan, your roadmap, and your intended actions. It answers the question: What are we going to do?

But the real world rarely follows a plan perfectly. That’s where the reactive force comes in. This force is about how you respond when things don’t go as expected. It covers chance events, market shifts, team dynamics, and unforeseen obstacles.

Finally, the values force represents the principles and beliefs that guide your decisions no matter what happens. These are the non-negotiables that keep your strategy aligned with your core identity and purpose.

Ignoring either the reactive or values forces means your strategy lacks depth. It becomes a wish list that breaks under pressure instead of a resilient guide.

Why Most Strategies Fail

When a strategy focuses only on the proactive force, it assumes everything will go according to plan. This assumption is risky because:

• Unexpected events happen: Markets change, competitors act, technology evolves, and internal challenges arise.

• Teams react differently: People may interpret plans in various ways or face morale and motivation issues.

• Values get compromised: Without clear principles, teams might make decisions that conflict with the organization’s identity.

  
  

When these realities hit, a one-dimensional strategy leaves teams stuck. They have no clear way to adapt or evaluate decisions against their core values. This gap causes confusion, delays, and often failure.

How to Build a Three-Dimensional Strategy

Creating a strategy that works in the real world means addressing all three forces clearly. Here’s how:

1. Define Your Proactive Plan

Start with a clear vision and goals. Outline the actions your team will take to achieve them. This is the foundation of your strategy.

• Set measurable objectives

• Identify key initiatives

• Assign responsibilities and timelines

  
  

This part answers the question: What do we want to do?

2. Prepare for the Reactive Force

Plan how you will respond when things don’t go as expected. This means building flexibility and decision-making frameworks into your strategy.

• Identify potential risks and uncertainties

• Develop contingency plans

• Empower your team to make decisions based on changing circumstances

  
  

This part answers: How will we react when the unexpected happens?

3. Clarify Your Values

Establish the principles that guide every decision, even under pressure. These values act as a compass when the path is unclear.

• Define core beliefs and non-negotiables

• Communicate these values clearly across the team

• Use values as a filter for decisions and actions

  
  

This part answers: What will we never compromise, no matter what?

Strategy board showing three forces of strategy

Real-World Example: Netflix’s Three-Dimensional Strategy

Netflix provides a clear example of a three-dimensional strategy in action. Over the years, Netflix shifted from DVD rentals to streaming and then to producing original content.

• Proactive: The company planned to expand its streaming service and invest in original shows.

• Reactive: Netflix adapted to changing technology, customer preferences, and competition from other streaming platforms.

• Values: The guiding question remained consistent: How will people want to consume entertainment? This value helped Netflix stay true to its mission even as it pivoted.

  
  

This approach allowed Netflix to evolve without losing its core identity, making it a leader in the entertainment industry.

Creating Space for Reaction and Reflection

A three-dimensional strategy requires more than just a document. It needs space for your team to react, evaluate, and adjust. This space allows your team to:

• Assess unfolding events against your proactive plan

• Make decisions aligned with your values

• Learn and adapt continuously

  
  

Without this space, teams may feel pressured to stick rigidly to the plan or abandon values to react quickly. Both outcomes weaken the strategy.

Practical Tips for Implementing a Three-Dimensional Strategy

• Hold regular strategy reviews: Use these sessions to discuss what’s working, what’s not, and how to respond.

• Encourage open communication: Create an environment where team members can share challenges and ideas freely.

• Use scenario planning: Explore different futures and how your team might react while staying true to values.

• Document values clearly: Make sure everyone understands and remembers the principles guiding decisions.

• Train decision-makers: Equip leaders with tools to balance proactive plans, reactive needs, and values.

  
  

The Cost of Ignoring Dimensions

Ignoring the reactive and values forces can lead to:

• Poor decision-making under pressure

• Loss of team alignment and morale

• Missed opportunities to adapt and grow

• Damage to reputation and trust

  
  

A strategy that only looks forward without room to adjust or reflect on values is fragile. It’s a wish list waiting to break.

Final Thoughts on Strategy Depth

A strong strategy is not just a plan. It is a living framework that guides your organization through uncertainty and change. By embracing the three forces—proactive, reactive, and values—you build resilience and clarity.

Ask yourself: Is your strategy one-dimensional or three-dimensional? If it only focuses on what you want to do, it’s time to add the other forces. Create space for your team to react and reflect. Align every decision with your core values.

This approach turns strategy from a fragile wish list into a powerful tool for real-world success.