Definitions Every Leader Must Know

Many a time during my career I've been in situations where someone asks, "What is the difference between a vision and a mission?" Or, "How is an objective different from a goal?" And, lots of times, confusion comes when separating strategies from tactics.

If you've encountered the same situations, use this helpful list of strategic frame of reference elements and definitions in mind:

Vision = What we will be

Mission = Why we exist

Goals = What will get us there

Objectives = Major steps we will take

Strategies = How we will go about achieving our objectives

Tactics = Who will do what, by when

Roles = Ownership of tasks

Relationships = People working toward a common goal

Thanks to author Edward T. Reilly for this good clarification from his new book, AMA Business Boot Camp.

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