Quotes by Michael Porter

About Michael Porter:

Michael Eugene Porter is the Bishop William Lawrence University Professor at The Institute for Strategy and Competitiveness, based at the Harvard Business School. He is a leading authority on competitive strategy and the competitiveness and economic development of nations, states, and regions. Michael Porter's work is recognized in many governments, corporations and academic circles globally. He chairs Harvard Business School's program dedicated for newly appointed CEOs of very large corporations.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

The best CEOs I know are teachers, and at the core of what they teach is strategy.

Michael Porter

I teach in the medical school, the School of Public Health, the Kennedy School of Government, and the Business School. And it's the best perch... because most of my work crosses boundaries.

Michael Porter

Innovation is the central issue in economic prosperity.

Michael Porter

Sound strategy starts with having the right goal.

Michael Porter

The essence of strategy is choosing what not to do.

Michael Porter

The company without a strategy is willing to try anything.

Michael Porter

The essence of strategy is that you must set limits on what you're trying to accomplish.

Michael Porter

Strategy 101 is about choices: You can't be all things to all people.

Michael Porter

Finally, strategy must have continuity. It can't be constantly reinvented.

Michael Porter

A strategy delineates a territory in which a company seeks to be unique.

Michael Porter

Strategy is about making choices, trade-offs; it's about deliberately choosing to be different.

Michael Porter

There's a fundamental distinction between strategy and operational effectiveness.

Michael Porter

The thing is, continuity of strategic direction and continuous improvement in how you do things are absolutely consistent with each other. In fact, they're mutually reinforcing.

Michael Porter

In a period of economic downturn, the overwhelming instinct is to pare back, cut costs, and lay off. If you do that, do so with your strategy in mind. The worst mistake is to cut across the board. Instead, reconnect and recommit to a clear strategy t...

Michael Porter

Unfortunately, I'm an engineer. I'm always thinking about, what's the task and how do I get it done? And some of my tasks are pretty broad, and pretty fuzzy, and pretty funky, but that's the way I think.

Michael Porter

Companies operating in urban communities have a tremendous ripple effect.

Michael Porter

The chief strategist of an organization has to be the leader - the CEO.

Michael Porter

If all you're trying to do is essentially the same thing as your rivals, then it's unlikely that you'll be very successful.

Michael Porter

In America, the problems of poverty and low income, particularly for minorities, are disproportionately focused in the inner cities. Shining a spotlight on the businesses growing in these communities is proof that any community has the potential for ...

Michael Porter

Change brings opportunities. On the other hand, change can be confusing.

Michael Porter

Author Bio

  • NameMichael Porter
  • DescriptionAmerican engineer and economist
  • BornMay 23, 1947
  • CountryUnited States Of America
  • ProfessionEconomist; Aerospace Engineer; Engineer
  • AwardsAdam Smith Award