An “early mover” is a firm that quickly recognizes a unique opportunity or risk and uses that knowledge to evaluate its options either before anyone else or along with other firms that also recognize the significance of what’s developing; they seize the initiative to either capitalize on the opportunity or reduce the risk. Early movers have the advantage of time, which brings with it more options for decision-making before market shifts invalidate critical assumptions underlying their strategy. Failing to attain “early-mover status,” as we’ve defined it, can be fatal in today’s complex business environment.