Thoughts on strategy

Canadian academic

The essence of strategy is choosing what not to do.

—Michael E Porter

American economist

A goal without a plan is just a wish.

—Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

French writer

You may not be interested in strategy, but strategy is interested in you.

—Leon Trotsky

Ukranian-Russian revolutionary

There’s only one growth strategy: Work hard.

—William Hague

British politician

The entrance strategy is actually more important than the exit strategy.

—Edward Lampert

American businessman

Culture eats strategy for breakfast.

—Peter Drucker

Austrian-American management consultant

Strategy requires thought, tactics require observation.

—Max Euwe

Dutch chess player

Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.

—Napoléon Bonaparte

French military and political leader

Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.

—Sun Tzu

Chinese military strategist

In real life, strategy is actually very straightforward. You pick a general direction and implement like hell.

—Jack Welch

American business executive