Why Strategy and not tactics? A tale from 2500 years ago.

Earlier this year, I received a surprising text from a colleague.

He was like, “I got this from you.”

ME: What?

***proceeds to send me a message from 2500 years ago.

From Chinese Philosopher Sun Tzu.

It says, “Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without Strategy is the noise before defeat.”

Oh, this is from 2020.

So, I asked, “Are you a student of strategy or tactics?”

HIM: TACTICS!
ME: Are you sure?
HIM: No reply

***some minutes later, he was back.

Him: I choose Strategy.
Me: Why?

Because…

Strategy defines the long-term goal we are trying to achieve.

While tactics are the individual steps required to achieve the goal.

Make Sense.


So, I'm going to ask you.

Are you a student of Strategy or tactics?