SAIC’s Tom Eldridge: Strategy Could Help GovCon Firms Stand Out, Win the ‘War for Talent’

Tom Eldridge, a senior vice president at Science Applications International Corp., has said government services contractors should have a strategy in order to facilitate operations amid government shutdowns, increasing competition and policy changes.

Eldridge wrote in an article published Thursday on LinkedIn that having a sense of direction is one of the three reasons why companies need to have a strategy.

“In markets with some turbulence, like the current one, you have to be able to identify where your company’s enduring strengths match up against the spending priorities and mission sets that will continue to be priorities and get funding even amid shutdowns and policy shifts,” he wrote.

“A strong strategic foundation will not only provide you a detailed roadmap, but it will allow you to pivot to other unexpected opportunities or challenges as they arise.”

Eldridge noted that having a strategy could help companies differentiate themselves in the eyes of their customers and the market as well as win the “war for talent.”

“Every business decision should begin with strategy. … A good strategy explains why you will be more successful in your markets versus your competitors — what makes you better and different in the eyes of your customers and employees,” he added.