Richard P. Rumelt
Most leaders confuse strategy with broad ambitions or goal setting. True strategy is a cohesive response to a high-stakes challenge, designed to focus resources and overcome specific obstacles.
Good strategy requires a clear diagnosis that defines the exact nature of the challenge being faced.
A guiding policy provides an overall approach to overcoming the identified obstacles without dictating every minor detail.
Coherent actions are the specific, coordinated steps taken to carry out the guiding policy and deliver real results.