Leadership effectiveness emerges out from the confluence of Strategic & Tactical approaches. It is also a poignant reminder to us, not to fall into the trap of overt singular usage of just one skill-set but to be mindful of the inter-dependency of Strategic & Tactical approaches for a meaningful, successful outcome.
The quote "Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat." by Sun Tzu underlines the importance of strategy & tactics for a successful outcome.
Leadership would be significantly flawed if there is over-reliance on tactics & due importance is not given to strategy.
Though Sun Tzu comes from a military background, the importance of Strategy-Tactics finds application in all fields of human endeavours. For example in competitive Sports, lot of strategising happens between the coach, captain & technical experts before stepping on the field. Once on the field, the players tactically respond to the changing dynamics of the match situation. The break-time, is once again utilized to re-strategise & tactical play returns in the scheme of things when match resumes.
In my mind, strategic thinking & deployment of strategy needs conscious effort & it's not intuitive. As we all are drawn towards the path of least resistance, the tactical approach route has more footfalls than the uphill route of strategy, until it becomes a habit with regular practice.
Why Strategic thinking & deployment of strategy needs conscious effort?
- One has to learn how to think
- One has to set aside ego & biases
- Acceptance of blind-spots (I know what I know, but I don't know what I don't know)
- Multi-disciplinary approach & Synthesis mindset
- Engage in consultative, democratic brainstorming session
- Embrace contrary views & don't shoot down the messenger
- Demands skills like being proactive, planning, risk anticipation & risk mitigation
- It is about responding & not reacting
- Two way communication is key to be able to strategise correctly, to convey the strategy, keep stakeholders engaged with the strategy over time & to revisit the strategy with the ongoing dynamics of changing realities
- Recognition of the fact, we are living in a dynamic reality
- Dynamic changes demands real time responsiveness
- Good tactical response is based on intelligence, situational awareness & being proactive
- Keeps the daily actions & activities aligned to the established strategic direction
- On the ground, practical implementation of the strategy
Note: The reference has been deliberately made to the attribute (Leadership) & not to the title (Leader),because I firmly believe being a leader is agnostic of a formal designation or role. The other way to look at it is, many formal leaders come short in their leadership while many informal leaders with strong leadership qualities are not in formal position either by design or by choice.
After a long time buddy, leadership is in born. Yes definitely it will be successful when you learn how team works. Stratergy and tactics will be successful when we work as a team and that important role is played by a leader to execute in positive direction.
ReplyDeleteThank you Amol for the insightful comments, especially when it comes from an entrepreneur like you it makes lot of practical sense.
DeleteThat is truth strategy and tactics combination is help to achieve goals and your out-of-the-box ideas are always welcome. All the team members have uttermost confidence in your leadership skills.
ReplyDeleteThanks Amresh. Yes, the synergy lies in the combination.
DeleteThis is a very well written content.
ReplyDeleteYou have always been wonderful in leadership ,makes the blog legit.
Thank you Arko for your kind words.
DeleteWell described.. expected from a true leader.
ReplyDeleteYou are always a real leader..wonderful words..though after a long time but lucky to have this post of yours hope we will soon get to read more such posts from you..
ReplyDeleteThank you Ahana for your kind words.
DeleteDear Abhishek da, As always, this post is very insightful and well written. It's been a treat to read this.
ReplyDeleteJust one request for your next blog post. Recently one of my friend, along with many others, got laid off from their company, due to Covid-19 situation. They did this to 'cut costs'. However the company had some avenues of business which they were not charging to the customers (out of goodwill) and no revenue was earned from those. They could have had a better strategy (including pay-cuts) which would have been able to retain the employees. So I believe empathy should be an important aspect for leaders, while they develop strategies. What's your view? Could you please opine about the role of having empathy in leadership strategy.
Thank you Ayan for sharing. It must be a difficult phase for your friend. I hope your friend comes out stronger & sooner out of this crisis period. EMPATHY is the cornerstone of Being Human & this quality makes us connect and isn't leadership about connect? So absolutely, Empathy is a key ingredient.
DeleteGreat read! Considering how the world has changed due to the pandemic and how the situation has challenged all of the pre-existing notions, a strategic approach has become more necessary than ever!
ReplyDeleteThank you Atharva & good co-relation with the ongoing pandemic crisis.
DeleteVery well written Abhishek 👌
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteVery well written Abhishek 👌
ReplyDeleteThank you.
ReplyDeleteVery well drafted! Thank you Abhishek for writing on a very crucial aspect of leadership. The sports example is quite fitting, it will be great if you could elaborate with more such examples. I appreciate the last foot note about designation and leadership.
ReplyDeleteThank you Girija for insightful comments & for reaffirming Leadership quality is irrespective of one's formal position.
Deleteposted after a long time. Good one, as always
ReplyDeleteThank you Sagar.
DeleteGreat share Abhi. You articulated it so well; both approaches go hand in hand. Thank you for sharing and I'm looking forward to your next piece :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Kalyan for the catch phrase 'hand in hand'.
DeleteVery well written Abhisekh..only a real leader like u can articulate it so well.
ReplyDeleteThank you Joyshri for your kind words.
DeleteVery good article Abhishek.. Very well written and very insightful on leadership qualities.. Keep writing more and let our wisdom grow.
ReplyDeleteThank you Krishna for your appreciation.
DeleteAbhisek Sir I am really very happy to read this article as it reminds a lot what I had through. Thank you for all the support and guidance. Your words and thoughts are always great. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you Monalisa.
DeleteDear Abhi, very thoughtful and insightful well written. These thoughts one can pen down only when he himself has gone through process of seeing leaders and then being a leader
ReplyDeleteWe always thing leaders are only big shots like prominent poltician, sucessful business tycoon. But as you have rightly writen every stage you have to deal with tactics or strategy like coach, captain and players.
You have also rightly mentioned it is dynamic process, it is very important aspect until leaders follow the same it will not percolate down.
Keep it up Abhi, I will sign off here
But not before mentioning famous quote by George Patton.."Don't tell people how to do, tell them what to do and let them surprise you with results".This one sentence shows many qualities leader should have
Good luck
Thanks Sachin for sharing your valuable insights. Loved the quote!
DeleteYour article is so convincing that I never stop myself to say something about it. You’re doing a great job Abhishek,Keep it up!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Nitin.
DeleteWell drafted Abhi, keep it up ... Nilanjan
ReplyDeleteThank you Nilanjan.
DeleteHey Abhishek,
ReplyDeleteThat was a great read. Powerpacked information kept quite brief. We all have different experiences with leadership that has worked and that has not. The only change I'd make is put the part about stakeholders right up on top! Too often great leadership just can't take off because of challenges with converting internal skeptics into allies.
Found it insightful.
Cheers,
Madhu
Thank you Madhu for sharing your valuable insights. 'Converting internal skeptics into allies'....that's a key takeaway!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for infusing those thought provoking details regarding leadership skills laden with tactics built on strategic pathway.. Keep sharing & enriching us as always u do.
ReplyDeleteThank you Debjani. Liked your quote - 'Tactics built on strategic pathway..'
DeleteVery nice, well thought, organized and informative as well Abhishek da. Please keep writing and share with us.
ReplyDeleteNicely written Abhishek.. great read. Short and crisp..indeed strategy and tactics go hand in hand and is not built overnight..
ReplyDeleteHand in hand! So true.
DeleteWonderfully penned down Abhishek! Simple reminders like two-way communication and simple reiterations about acceptance of blind spots are the way to be...for existing and emerging leaders . Look forward to more such write ups from you :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Rashmi. Your emphasis on awareness of Blind-spots is a good reminder.
DeleteAs always a very articulative form of writing that's enlightening to read.
ReplyDeleteA leader can be anything but simple. Both tactical and strategic leaders are of utmost importance to every organization but its amalgamation into one is what indispensable for any organization. The tactical leader can manage and maneuver through the critical incidents and are relentless in checking off tasks on a daily basis but they aren't particularly the masters of change management. Strategic leaders, on the other hand, have natural preferences for solving problems and removing roadblocks, they have the bigger picture in their vision. While it can be inspirational, it can lead to change for the sake of change.
This is where a coalescence of both come into the picture.
It's also entrancing to note that you concluded with a subtle touch of a topic that personally is very close to me 'Leading without a title'
Thanks Shantanu for sharing these wonderful insights. Change for the sake of change, is of no value addition. Thanks for emphasizing on 'Leading without a title'.
DeleteA very good read indeed. A delightful take on leadership and care has been taken to drive the major points back home.
ReplyDeleteThank you Soumi.
DeleteA very good read indeed. A delightful take on leadership and care has been taken to drive the major points back home.
ReplyDeleteGreat delight for brain and as always beautifully penned!!! Most of us have numerous thoughts and learnings in life but putting across right words and as an article is truly an art.
ReplyDeleteThank you Payal.
DeleteHi Abhi
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Blog. Today's corporate world need to think in the guidelines mentioned and especially those who are stepping into leadership roles.
You have covered most of the critical points on not only leadership skills but also building good team.
Your work is nicely written . Look forward for more blogs ...cheers
Thanks Sandeep. Thanks for emphasizing it's all about the Team. A leader is as good as the team.
DeleteOn point Abhishek! Loved the strategic thinking section the most.
ReplyDeleteFootnote is cherry on the top for me!!
Thank you Sonal :)
DeleteVery well written Abhishek, good read to end my weekend.I think "Learn how to think" is the key and I believe is one of the most difficult one.
ReplyDeleteThank you Monojit. Yes 'learning how to think' is unfortunately not in any formal curriculum. We have to learn & practice this with conscious efforts.
DeleteI agree, but I could observe the teaching techniques are different now and kids are very thoughtful. Coming generation would certainly be interesting to watch out.
DeleteReally insightful and thought provoking read to start the week. Much required topic for leaders during these extra ordinary times to strategize and manage tactically with highest caution and vigilance. Thank you for sharing Abhishek ������
ReplyDeleteThank you Dr. Siva
DeleteDear Abhishek,
ReplyDeleteAs always this one also one of the interesting topic. Very well pen downed. Thanks for making us understand the co-relation between the strategy and tactics. Looking forward for more such blogs.
Regards,
Swathi
Thank you Swathi. You are right for a meaningful outcome strategic & tactical approaches needs to be co-related (hand in hand).
DeleteThank you Swathi
ReplyDeleteHi Abhi... very well written. It is a true reflection of your experience and leadership qualities you possess. Interesting to know about the strategic thinking key highlights.. expecting more blogs from you 👍
ReplyDeleteThank you. We all are on the learning path & there is no better teacher than life's experiences :)
DeleteThis is a nice blueprint Abhisekh which can be applied to real life also. Kudos
ReplyDeleteThank you Arnab
DeleteHi Abhishek, nicely written article. Such a vast topic very well produced into a nutshell.Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully penned down thoughts,I totally agree that strategical and tactical synergies are very essential and beneficial to enhance leadership skills , furthermore I also decipher from the read is that strategies are the rules or plans projected and tactics are the tools with which you execute these plans , will wait for many more such write ups from you , very simple yet so thought provoking 😊😊
ReplyDeleteWonderfully articulated Sreeparna! Strategies are Plans & Tactics are the Tools. Thank you.
DeleteVery well put together Abhishek. Holistic yet simple, covering a powerful topic especially critical in these uncertain times. Hope you decide to publish these on LinkedIn so a wider audience can have access to them.
ReplyDeleteThanks Varun. Thank you for your suggestion for a wider outreach.
DeleteExcellent one Dada.., Only a true leader with ocean of experience can bring voice to words.
ReplyDeleteThank you Tanveer bhai.
DeleteVery well written Abhishek!! Looking forward for many such insightful blogs from you 🙂
ReplyDeleteThank you Malvika
DeleteNicely Written.
ReplyDeleteNeedless to say, you are a great influencer and a good leader who can be an aspiration and inspire people to be good leaders.
It's very kind of you. Thank you.
DeleteAbhi,Your words are always inspiring.
ReplyDeleteThe insight provided by you on tactics & strategy in your own way helps for people who are looking for leaders in them in coming days. Thank you! for fabulous content.
Thank you Vinil
DeleteWhat an insightful short read. The clarity with which such an often confused topic is presented, shows how organized your thoughts are. Kudos
ReplyDeleteI just loved the need for synergism section. I often see Leaders resorting to the tried and tested strategies having minimal room for things to go wrong. They are so focused on their set strategy that they start expecting the exact same outcome in the exact same time frame. But it is often the tactical minds that bring out unprecedented innovations and revolutionize the approach. People often tend to confuse between these two attributes, as there is very little that sets them apart. As you rightly mentioned it requires a conscious effort to be on track until it gets imbibed into ones DNA.
One of my favourite quotes - “Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.” – Peter Drucker
Thank you Shrijit for your insightful comments. Thanks for reminding us Peter Drucker's famous quote. So true!
Deleteas always..Well written Abhishek.
ReplyDeleteThanks Masood
DeleteExcellent write up Abhishek. Tactics without strategy is really like rudderless ship. Well done
ReplyDeleteThank you Shivaram. Nice metaphor :)
DeleteDear dada,
ReplyDeleteIt is an excellent piece of writing. It helped to understand the difference between strategy and tactics while emphasising on the point that strategy and tactics are not at odds with one another, they are on the same team.
Strategy defines your long term goals and how you are planning to achieve them. Tactics are much more concrete and are often oriented towards smaller steps . Tactics may also be termed as initiatives
Thanks sis. Loved what you said, Strategy & Tactics are not at odds rather they are on the same team!
DeleteVery nicely written Abhishek! Looking forward for many more articles from you. Thank you for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Surely will share.
DeleteVery well written Abhisekh..only a real leader like u can write it so well.Keep writing.Thank you for sharing an excellent write-up with us.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words.
DeleteFirst, I really appreciate you and Sonia Ma'am a lot. Second, I totally agree with the words and can actually relate to it. Looking forward to more blogs. Cheers.
ReplyDeleteThank you Utkarsh. Wishing you & Gobudee all the very best!
DeleteVery Insightful✍️
ReplyDeleteThank you
DeleteEnlightening experience Abhi :)
ReplyDeleteThank you
Delete"Awazing write-up"
ReplyDeleteSurely going to implement,
Thank you for influencing.
Looking forward for more post.
Thank you for the compliments.
ReplyDeleteExcellent blog Abi. Very insightful. You have penned down a real meaning with examples for Sun Tzu quote. There is so much of sports passion in you, expected some correlation and your example covered it. Thank you and look forward for more blogs.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sudhakar. You picked up the sports connection :)
DeleteSuperb Bro,
ReplyDeleteYour words really sounds Obvious and Meaning full on strategy and Tactics. As how hard work and Talent falls hand in hand. If one doesn't work then relay on the other. Like the same way Strategy and Tactics, it really comes from your experience and of-course no doubt your True Leadership qualities which helps you to write in very short words.
Will Implement and get back to you.
Thank you for your kindest words.
DeleteVery insightful Abhi.. rightly-said.. strategies and tactics go hand in hand,deployment is a conscious effort but guarantees success..
ReplyDeleteThanks Riz. Rightly said, it's a conscious effort
DeleteIt is very well written Abhi.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sri.
DeleteSuch a great article this! Very inspirinng and well written.
ReplyDeleteThank you Divyashree for your kind words.
DeleteBeautifully penned down Abhishek, inspirational leadership is the key to every success, and you have that spirit. Always admired your thoughts and insights.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi Abhishek, very well written, very interesting. I liked the blind spot point,Many of us really stuck here I believe and foot note is really impressive "informal leaders with strong leadership qualities". I completely agree with you leadership is not just designation it's qualities. Look forward for more blogs from you. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you Samhitha. Glad to know the Blind Spot resonated with your observation and experience too.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the exemplary insight on the leadership skills and the way to achieve it through strategy and tactics which go in sync is a treat to read. Looking forward for more thoughtful insights.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sujatha.
DeleteAbsolutely...Tactically written Abhi😊..You are one of the leaders who has well-planned strategies and always allow our wisdom to be applied to bring great outcome.
ReplyDeleteThank you Goli Sunder for your kind words.
DeleteExcellent and very well summarized, Thank you for wonderful blog Abhishek!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the appreciation.
DeleteVery well summarized. When we have overlapping or parallel designations by design how to bring the leadership qualities without hurting or overpowering others sentiment or what should be the right approach? Any thoughts...
ReplyDeleteThank you Rudolph. Your question is apt because ego clashes and knowingly or unknowingly hurting one another will happen in a dynamic ecosystem of human interaction. My 2 cents from my limited experience would be - On the way we see things. Our model should not be 'All Or None' rather it should be 'Everything Is On A Continuum'. With this model, our yardstick to aspire should be to operate out of the Optimal zone and to refrain from the extreme zones. In this way, our outcomes on an average would be better. If we are able to achieve this consistently, I think it would be a wonderful track record. Thanks Rudolph for your thought provoking question.
DeleteAbhishek, I agree with your statement "strategic thinking & deployment of strategy needs conscious effort & it's not intuitive"
ReplyDeleteI wish you write more detailed article on this subject.
All the best.
Thank you Rajesh, for your kind words. Yeah so true, conscious efforts is the key to everything.
DeleteYes,I am agree that both factors are require for personal and professional growth.
ReplyDeleteIn current situation of COVID-19, strategic thinking and Tactics are require to eliminate COVID-19.
Thanks Abhishek
Thank you for your time to read. I like your emphasis on holistic growth - personal and professional.
DeleteYes,I am agree that both factors are require for personal and professional growth.
ReplyDeleteIn current situation of COVID-19, strategic thinking and Tactics are require to eliminate COVID-19.
Thanks Abhishek
Loveraj Singh
Thank you Loveraj
DeleteThanks for writing and sharing this interesting article. My learning and thoughts..
ReplyDelete1. Knowledge about customer needs is pivotal. When we are involved in strategy and tactics formulation for the bussiness, assumptions does not work. Always check , validate on a continuous basis.
2.employees should be encouraged and motivated to share market information and insights thru real time feedback system.
3. Human interface cannot be replaced only one to one interaction adds value.
Mindset should graduate from transaction to customer satisfaction and delight. This is possible only when we look at customer relationship from a little long term perspective which is mutually beneficial eventually.
These good practices can become the work culture of the company only when they are demonstrated by one and all consistently and not just few positions and top management team..
Thank you Chintan. Great insights on understanding the Intrinsic needs, Don't assume, Ongoing feedback loop and Moving from transaction to transformation. Thank you for sharing.
DeleteWell described Abhishek... it's important to understand this concept of strategy and tactics and normally it gets confused...
ReplyDeleteA long term understanding of the battle ground and play field give a strategy and how to fight the battle give tactical plan with defined goals
Manu Grover
Thank you Manu sir. Nice metaphors of battle ground and playing field.
DeleteThanks Abhishek for sharing the nice written blog.
ReplyDeleteFew additions can be helpful to reflect more:
1) Historical examples of leadership exhibiting strategic,tactical and mixed of both approaches, and results of those approaches.
2) How can one use this as a tool to lead one's own life more consciously - what steps need to be taken for that.
Thank you Animesh. Your #2 is too good. I had come across a concept 'Life Design' which also emphasizes on your point of 'Building one's own life consciously'. You are right, the concepts of Strategy and Tactical approaches can find application as a tool to lead one's own life. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteExcellent and very well-articulated Strategic & Tactical approaches!!
ReplyDeleteHere is my take away,
Strategy defines the destination and how you can achieve …
Tactics defines the specific actions you take during this course …
Praburaj R
DeleteThank you Prabu. Nice metaphors - destination and course of action.
DeleteDear Abhishek Sir,
ReplyDeleteExcellent and very well written and very well differentiated between Strategy and Tactics...both are really very important aspects of the daily professional life....and you have articulated them very well.
And the way to put forward comes from a good leader like you....
Sridhar Tirandas
Thank you Sridhar. Very kind of you.
DeleteAwesomely put...
ReplyDeleteBtw, Shabari here
DeleteThank you Shabari.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteTruly Abhishek, a brillant strategy can put one on the competitive map but only solid execution can keep you there - be it sports, corporates or start-ups, execution is key. And it's most fail on execution. You have really blended the two well.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sumit. Totally agree, Execution is probably the most important aspect for success. Coincidentally, I am reading a book Execution by Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan.
DeleteA very thought provoking post and resonates well. Really great stuff. I like your comments around Leadership. You are really doing nice things. Keep it up !! Regards Binoy
ReplyDeleteThank you Binoy.
DeleteHi Abhishek,
ReplyDeleteYour perspective is refreshing..very well written by a true leader..
Regards,
Charu Singh
Thank you Charu for your kind words.
DeleteInteresting and thought provoking write-up, Abhishek. The simple example of sports makes it easy to comprehend. I think the ability to quickly respond to the dynamic situation described here is probably what we most need in this pandemic situation.
ReplyDeleteThank you Resha. So glad to know that you found it thought provoking.
DeleteNicely written and thought provoking content. Conscious efforts required for strategic thinking are summarized well and make me realize few roadblocks that we hit during our efforts to do so. In all a great content and i am looking for many such more from your pen.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ashish for your compliments.
ReplyDeleteVery well said, Abhisek!
ReplyDeleteStrategy and tactics are two sides of a coin and go hand in hand.
Strategy is forward looking and successful when implemented with rigorous tactics. Similarity tactics without strategy is waste of resources with scarce chance of success!
Very insightful article. You were bang on with the truth that strategic thinking & deployment of strategy need conscious effort & it's not intuitive. With the changing "X" dynamics ( I purposely choose X because it could relate to anything with respect to life/ career)
ReplyDeleteyou need to be extremely adaptive, alert at the same be present in the moment and introspect which can really be challenging when you are doing all of it together. I guess the key point is to be able to respond effectively and not react sometimes within a fraction of seconds!
Very well articulated, as always!!!
ReplyDelete