Previously, I talked about gathering data in order to make informed decisions.
There is a big caution here with measurements. We need to make sure we are not spending all of our time gathering data and putting together charts. This leaves no time to assess what the data is telling us and what actions (tactics) need to be developed to take advantage of what the data is telling us. So, before we go any further, let’s talk a bit about strategy versus tactics.
Think about this scenario:
Let’s say I told you I’m going on a road trip.
You ask, “Where are you headed?”
I shrug and say, “Not sure yet—but I’ve got a full tank of gas, snacks, and a great playlist.”
Technically, I could still go somewhere. I might even enjoy the ride. But without knowing where I’m going—or how I plan to get there—I’m just burning fuel and hoping for the best. That’s the difference between having a strategy and just acting on tactics.
Strategy is the map. Tactics are the steps.
We throw these words around a lot in organizations, and they often get used interchangeably. But they’re not the same thing.
Strategy is about direction. It’s the destination and the route you’re choosing to take.
Tactics are about execution. They’re the specific actions you take along the way.
You need both. But if you mix them up—or focus only on one—you risk driving in circles.
Here’s a real-world example:
Let’s say your strategy is:
“We want to expand our presence in the mid-market healthcare space by 25% over the next year.”
That’s your map. It gives you direction. It tells you:
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Who you’re targeting
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Why it matters
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Where you want to end up
Now here are some tactics that might support that strategy:
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Hosting a webinar series tailored to healthcare IT leaders
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Launching a targeted ad campaign in healthtech newsletters
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Creating new case studies from existing healthcare clients
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Assigning a dedicated account exec to mid-market leads
Each of those tactics helps move you toward the strategic destination. They’re the steps along the road.
What happens when we confuse the two?
A few common patterns show up:
🧩 Tactics with no strategy:
This is like walking just to get your steps in. Lots of activity, no clear progress. You’re doing stuff, but there’s no organizing idea behind it. Teams burn out. Leaders get frustrated. Momentum dies.
🗺 Strategy with no tactics:
This is the “vision board but no to-do list” situation. You’ve got a goal, but no actual plan to make it happen. It looks great on a slide deck—until people start asking what they’re supposed to do.
⚖️ Misaligned tactics:
Sometimes the tactics don’t support the strategy at all. Maybe the sales team is chasing enterprise deals while marketing is focused on small businesses. Everyone’s busy, but pulling in different directions.
So how do you use this in your work?
Here’s a simple check:
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Ask, “What are we trying to achieve?” That’s your strategy.
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Then ask, “What’s the best way to make that happen?” Those are your tactics.
You can do this at any level:
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Company-wide strategies with departmental tactics
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Department-level strategies with project-specific tactics
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Even personal goals with daily habits
Final thought:
Strategy without tactics is wishful thinking.
Tactics without strategy is wasted energy.
But when you pair the two—clear direction with smart execution—you build real momentum.
So next time you’re about to launch something, take a step back and ask yourself:
“Are we following a map—or just driving with good tunes and no destination?”
Let’s rework how you work.
Read the full article on Substack →
From the SmartWork Bulletin