Strategy: What It Is

Abstract

Strategy is one of those common everyday words and concepts that we understand so well and use even appropriately, but still find difficult to define and explain in precise terms. However, once we define and explain them, they become permanently embedded in our minds and we see their applications all around us. Strategy has been used implicitly in different ways, but formally seen as the art of planning and implementing with considerate care to achieve predetermined objectives. Strategy derives from the Greek where it has clearly military references as “office of general, commander, leader and to lead.” In this military sense, strategy refers to a broad plan of action designed to achieve a predetermined objective. In this sense, strategy or grand strategy refers to high levels of engagement distinct from operations and tactics, which are concerned with the specific conduct of an engagement. Having a good strategy which leads to effective operations and tactics is a sine qua non for successful engagements in many spheres of life, especially in business, communication, corporate affairs, health management and politics, among other areas.