Thinking strategically is important for both work and everyday life to thrive rather than just survive. While people are good at making routine decisions quickly, strategic thinking is needed for more difficult decisions by weighing options, researching facts, and selecting from the best alternatives. The document defines strategy as focusing on long-term goals and overall organizational success through experience and analysis, while tactics are shorter-term plans and processes to achieve specific goals using resources and producing deliverables. Strategic thinking allows individuals and organizations to effectively align resources and goals.

1. Thinking strategically – a primer
“You need to be more strategic”
But what in the heck does that mean? I’m doing my job. Isn’t that enough?
In today’s marketplace, no its not. And its not just your bosses reaction to the newest fad or buzzword that they’ve
heard tossed about in those closed door meetings. Thinking strategically about what you do is essential to your everyday
life. Not just work.
But why is it important to think strategically when you are able to accomplish the day-to-day stuff? Well… lets begin
with what is the difference between “surviving vs. thriving”
You are actually pretty good at making decisions a million times a day. Stuff like, should I send an e-mail or call; do I wear
this color or not; Should I eat the Burger and fries or have a salad for lunch? So you’re already a pro at weighing pros and
cons to get to the best decision for you.
But how do you fare when it comes to the more difficult decisions? Do you make snap decisions or do you mull them
over, search out facts, find the best options and then choose the best amongst a select few?
Breakdown: The Difference between Strategy and Tactics
Strategy Tactics
Purpose Definition & Communication of goals to advance
the organization and coalesce resources.
To utilize specific resources to achieve short
term goals supporting the mission.
Roles Individuals who broadly influence resources in
the organization, aka ‘decision makers.’
Specific domain experts that maneuver limited
resources into actions to achieve a set of tasks or
short term goals.
Accountability Accountable for the overall success of an
organization.
Accountable for success of specific projects or
assigned resources.
Scope All the resources within the organizations, as
well as broader market conditions including
competitors, customers, and economy.
A subset of resources used in a plan or process.
Tactics are often specific tactics with limited
resources to achieve broader goals.
Duration Long Term, and longer range (annually or bi-
annual in expectation) changes infrequently.
Shorter Term, flexible to specific market
conditions. (weekly, monthly or quarterly)
Methods Uses experience, research, analysis, thinking,
then communication.
Uses experiences, best practices, plans,
processes, and teams.
Outputs Produces clear organizational goals, plans, maps,
guideposts, and key performance
measurements.
Produces clear deliverables and outputs using
people, tools, time.