Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director, Bajaj Auto, and panelist in the discussion on Why looking outward is the leader’s job, had a succinct description of what strategy was- it is the alignment of the front end with the back end; it is more about what you choose not to do rather than what you choose to do.
We’ve heard the 2nd point often, however, it was his conviction about the alignment of the front end and back end that was very interesting. Alluding to Baja Auto’s decision to brand itself as a maker of sport, sexy bikes ( from being synonymous with sccoters) and creating the back end capabilities to back the claim, Rajiv reiterated the need to stay focused on a differentiated core and not get carried away by “irrelevant” market opportunities. In fact, he smartly answered a question posed regarding whether he rued not having entered the IT field. On the contrary, watching the IT industry grow from strength to strength motivated him to build his company into a more strong and profitable entity, he said.