“We’re taking a strategic approach.”
“Let’s be more strategic about this.”

Few phrases in business are as overused and misunderstood as “being strategic”. Too often, it’s a badge of honour, a justification for last-minute decisions, or a way to sound important in meetings. But does strategy mean having a master plan, making long-term moves, or simply looking like you’re in control?

True strategy isn’t about buzzwords; it’s about winning with intention. The word itself comes from the Greek strategos, meaning “generalship” or “the art of the general.” From ancient warfare to modern boardrooms, the core principle remains the same: those who think ahead, anticipate challenges, and position themselves wisely tend to succeed. Sun Tzu’s The Art of War reinforced this idea, showing that strategy is about foresight, resource management, and the ability to exploit opportunities while mitigating risks.

In business today, strategy still means proactively shaping outcomes, not just reacting to circumstances. Tactics address immediate needs, while strategy ensures those actions contribute to a bigger picture. A well-designed strategy connects the dots between today’s decisions and tomorrow’s success.

Many professionals often mistake motion for progress. They fill their schedules with back-to-back meetings, make rapid-fire decisions, and juggle countless tasks, believing this proves their strategic value. But without a clear direction, this activity is just that – activity, not strategy.

Even the smartest work can become an endless cycle of reaction rather than intentional progress.

Another common trap is “shiny object syndrome” chasing every new trend, technology, or initiative without assessing its real value. Eager to stay ahead, organisations impulsively adopt new tools or methodologies, only to realise later that these distractions have pulled them away from their core mission. A strategic thinker has the discipline to say no to initiatives that don’t align with long-term goals.

Imagine a team so eager to innovate that they grab onto every new tool, trend, or framework that comes their way like magpies collecting shiny trinkets. At first, it feels like progress, but soon, they are juggling too many priorities and failing to execute any effectively. Strategy isn’t about collecting possibilities; it’s about selecting the right ones.

A tech startup adopts every trending AI tool, hoping to stay competitive. But instead of improving efficiency, the constant tool-switching creates integration headaches and frustrates developers leading to loss productivity and focus. A smarter approach would be selecting fewer, well-aligned technologies that support long-term scalability.

Strategy isn’t about reacting faster it’s about thinking further ahead. True strategic thinkers don’t just simplify complexity; they shape the future. Every choice either builds momentum or wastes it.

Netflix didn’t just react to the decline of DVD rentals; they anticipated the shift to streaming years before it became mainstream. They focused on licensing content, then moved into original productions, securing their position as an industry leader while competitors scrambled to catch up.

For individuals, being strategic means understanding how their role fits into the bigger picture. It’s about making choices that drive long-term impact rather than just reacting to immediate problems. A strategic mindset also requires adaptability recognising when to adjust course while keeping the ultimate objective in sight.

True strategic thinkers don’t just execute tasks they elevate their perspective. They:

• Connect the dots between different trends, decisions, and potential outcomes.
• Simplify complexity by identifying what truly matters.
• Ask the right questions: Does this decision move us closer to our goal? What are the long-term implications?
• Engage in strategic listening: by seeking insights, questioning assumptions, and refining their approach as they learn.

Being strategic isn’t about having a rigid plan or always having the answers. It’s about aligning actions with goals, making intentional choices, and resisting the temptation to chase every distraction. The difference between those who claim to be strategic and those who truly are? One follows the waves. The other charts the course.