Civilians Talk Strategy, Soldiers Practice Logistics
If you are not familiar with the following adage, I recommend strongly becoming intimate with its meaning. I have heard it expressed three ways: “amateurs discuss tactics, professionals study logistics” or “civilians talk strategy, soldiers practice logistics”, and my favorite, “amateurs talk tactics, dilettantes talk strategy, professionals talk logistics.”
In these, don’t assume the standard definition of logistics. In business it most often means, the commercial activity of transporting goods to customers. In the military it refers to, the organization of moving, housing, and supplying troops and equipment. Do not get stuck thinking of this as A-to-B movements or supply chain management.
The actual meaning of logistics is the means and arrangements which work out the plans of strategy and tactics. This is hugely important to any business. Businesses seem to think in terms of strategy and tactics only. Strategies often get watered down or compromised the moment you try to operationalize them.
That is because logistics (means and arrangements which work out the plans of strategy and tactics) is missing. Often, I have seen too many businesses pursue a bunch of disparate tactics that are in search of a strategy. Or roll out a strategy but cannot adequately make it happen for want of smart execution.
