I love these four key words because they highlight, in my opinion, the essence of Strategy: Transformation, Choice, Simplicity, and Action.
Here’s why they matter:
1. Strategy is a Synonym for Transformation
Unlike Buddhists or Stoics, who find peace in accepting the world as it is, strategists are natural-born change-makers. They don’t just see things as they are—they see things as they could be. They want to shape the future and improve the world around them, knowing they can succeed or fail, but determined to influence the outcome. As Max McKeown said, “Strategy is about shaping the future […]” And remember, “The Stone Age didn’t end because it ran out of stones” (Don Huberts). It ended because some dared to think differently and transform society. Strategy is all about creating a brighter future.
2. Strategy is a Synonym for Choice
Philosophy might be about asking questions, but Strategy is about answering them and making tough choices. As Donald Sull puts it, “Strategy is a framework to guide critical choices to achieve a desired future.” Strategists need to choose wisely—what to do and, crucially, what not to do. David Allen said it best: “You can do anything, but not everything.” Every strategic decision shapes what success looks like, what you offer to clients and society, and how you deliver it. Without smart choices, strategy is just wishful thinking.
3. Strategy is a Synonym for Action
Strategy isn’t just about big ideas; it’s about executing them. Plato may have been the philosopher of ideas, but Aristotle was the philosopher of action. Ellie Pidot captures this perfectly: “Strategy is a fancy word for coming up with a long-term plan and putting it into action.” Too often, organizations stop at planning and never move to action. But strategy without action is just a daydream. Make it happen—turn theory into reality.
4. Strategy is a Synonym for Simplicity
The world of strategy is complex, with shifting markets, evolving customer behaviors, and unpredictable trends. But the role of strategists is to cut through the noise. As minimalists like Diogenes, they must distill complexity into clarity, transforming multiple ideas into a simple, powerful path forward. After all, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication,” as Leonardo da Vinci once said. Simplifying the complex is a critical art in strategy.
These four pillars—Transformation, Choice, Action, and Simplicity—are the heartbeat of effective strategy.
Which resonates most with you?
Author: Anael Granoux