What is strategy and why is it important?

To many strategy seems an amorphic concept with different meanings to different people. There are those who hold that strategy is a level of engagement between two competing institutions. Others consider it a process directing how we utilize and manifest our power and will in the world. Yet others see it as delineating the desired outcome and the acceptable means of attaining that outcome. So what is strategy and why is it important for everyone, yes everyone, in your organization to study and learn it? Well – who is directing the flow of power in your teams?

Consider This

Strategy is Hard

Strategy – There are multiple definitions and concepts that apply to this term. Strategy as a level in a hierarchy. Strategy as a plan. Strategy as process. Strategy as a phase of creative development. Strategy as particular elements that fit into some framework. Strategy as past+vision or vision+culture-chance…and on and on.

But strategy is integral to our interaction with the world around us. We all engage strategy as we relate – at all levels of human interaction from the interpersonal to the international and beyond. So we need to understand each of these different perspectives and learn how we can improve the world through our actions. 

Strategy – A Breakdown

Strategy as process

Strategy is a 3 stage process directing the flow of power as it moves through the development of an idea from inspiration through manifestation. The three stages – well now that depends on the source. 

Strategy as phase

Strategy is a phase in the creative process, inspired by politics, it drives for an ideal that will, in an ideal world, work without fail. Except we often forget the environment, the other actors/agents/relations involved, the role of chance as a particularly particular element of strategy, and more. Or we believe we know more about them than we do…

Strategy as particulars

Strategy is a framework of 10 particular elements. These elements have more or less influence on events depending on the stage of development. 

Strategy as plan

A “plan” or perhaps plan of action. This is the dictionary definition. For our purposes let’s call it the “ideal type:”. A deep hope and belief that the desired outcome will prevail if we undertake the proposed actions. Sticking to the plan is not strategy – it is either operative or tactical thinking…

Strategy as purpose or practice

Strategy is neither purpose nor practice. It is the undercurrent delineating and presenting the choices between purpose and practice – that which we want versus that which we do. It is presented as different dialectics – intelligence versus analysis and the knowledgebase that creates; resources versus doctrine and the objectives we can set as a result; that which we can control or orchestrate versus the chance/opportunity/probability of success if we undertake the proposed operation.  

Strategy as prudence

There is an inherent need of forethought, as well as in the moment thinking, when engaging strategically. One can get lost in the strategic of forethought beyond that which is prudent. And a moment may be lost as a result. 

There is an essential unity to all strategic experience in all periods of history because nothing vital to the nature and function of…strategy changes. – Professor Colin Gray

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