What’s the Difference Between Cost-Out, Optimization, and Growth Strategies?

Let’s be honest: when your business announces a new change program, it often comes wrapped in bold promises of growth and innovation. The message from leadership? “We’re positioning ourselves for long-term success.” But let’s take a step back—what kind of change is really happening behind the scenes? Is it truly about growth, or is it more about cutting costs or optimizing existing processes?

While companies love to talk about growth, the reality often falls into one of three categories: Cost-Out, Optimization, or Growth. Each has a very different impact on your business, your people, and how you operate.

The diagram below breaks down these strategies and gives clarity to the real focus of your current change program. Take a closer look—where does your company’s transformation really fit?