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Strategy vs Tactics
Leadership / Dualities
Strategy is what and why. Tactics are how.
Strategy
- Long-term direction.
- Where to play and how to win.
- Says no to most things to focus on the few that matter.
- Changes slowly.
Tactics
- Short-term actions.
- The specific steps to execute the strategy.
- Flexible and adaptable.
- Changes frequently.
Common Mistakes
- Having tactics without strategy: Lots of activity, no direction. "We're busy but not moving."
- Having strategy without tactics: Big vision, no execution. "Great plan, nothing shipped."
- Confusing one for the other: "Our strategy is to use Kubernetes." No - that's a tactic. Strategy is why you chose it and what it enables.
For Engineering Leaders
- You should be able to articulate your strategy in 2-3 sentences.
- Tactics should clearly trace back to strategy.
- If someone asks "why are we doing this?" and the answer is unclear, the strategy is missing.
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