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Hedgehog Concept: Passion-Excellence-Engine Intersection

Find the intersection of what your team loves, what it can be best-in-world at, and what drives the highest return.

90 min Advanced

Goal

Define the strategic focus zone that ensures sustainable excellence and reject everything outside it.

Steps

1

Draw three intersecting circles on a large board: "Our passion", "What we can be world-best at", "Our economic engine".

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Expected Outcome

Immediate

Clear definition of the three-circle intersection plus a list of activities to stop immediately because they fall outside.

Evidence base

School: Good to Great / Strategic Focus

Founders: Jim Collins (2001)

From "Good to Great" (2001). Study of 11 companies that leapt from good to great found all had a Hedgehog Concept; comparison companies did not.

Frequently asked questions

How long does "Hedgehog Concept: Passion-Excellence-Engine Intersection" take?

This exercise takes about 90 minutes, practiced in a group in a Written reflection format.

When will I notice the effect of "Hedgehog Concept: Passion-Excellence-Engine Intersection"?

Clear definition of the three-circle intersection plus a list of activities to stop immediately because they fall outside. In the short term: Within 6 months, 20-30% of resources reallocated toward the Hedgehog with noticeable efficiency gains.

Is "Hedgehog Concept: Passion-Excellence-Engine Intersection" evidence-based?

Yes — it draws on Good to Great / Strategic Focus (Jim Collins (2001)). From "Good to Great" (2001). Study of 11 companies that leapt from good to great found all had a Hedgehog Concept; comparison companies did not.

Is "Hedgehog Concept: Passion-Excellence-Engine Intersection" suitable for beginners?

Its difficulty level is: Advanced. No external tools required — it can be practiced directly inside the app.

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