What do Madonna, Alex Ferguson and General Giap all have in common? At first you may think very little, but all three have employed strategies that have lead to considerable sustained success.

Successful strategy is based on solid foundations that are effectively implemented - and all three of these individuals have proved over time that they have the right evolving strategies to succeed whilst other peers fall to the side.

These three apparently disparate subjects have lead one of the world's leading strategic academics, Robert M. Grant, to suggest four common factors about their success.

• Goals that are simple, consistent and long term

• Profound understanding of the competitive environment
• Objective appraisal of resources
• Effective implementation

The assumption that 'luck' or 'gut instinct' makes any significant difference in the outcome of an event or decision can also be negated over time - for few of us are consistently lucky for years!

However, the factors highlighted by Robert Grant when in place, allow strategic organisations to have the clarity of direction and resources to exploit the opportunity and achieve what external viewers may see as "exceptional results".