Many a time in the workplace you'll encounter 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.
Reilly is also the President and Chief Executive Officer of American Management Association, International.
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