Business Strategy
Pivot
A fundamental change in business strategy while keeping one foot planted—changing direction while preserving learned insights. A structured course correction based on validated learning.
Biological Context
Pivoting mirrors adaptive radiation: when organisms encounter new opportunities or constraints, they can rapidly diversify into new forms while retaining core structures. The key is preserving useful adaptations while changing direction. Extinction is the alternative to successful pivots.
Business Application
Successful pivots preserve learning: customer insights, team capabilities, or technology platforms. Types include zoom-in (one feature becomes the product), zoom-out (product becomes one feature), customer segment, channel, and technology pivots.