Strategy = Vision and Mission

Strategy is what people use when they apply common sense, valuable insight or proven methods to any given situation.  Strategy is a series of principles or guiding methods that enable an organisation to move from point A to point B.

(Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/joriel/2845792224/)

At business school (MBA class) the strategy course was made up of three basic methodologies and actions:

1. 
   
   The mission statement.  Why do you exist?  And what do you exist for?
2. 
   
   The vision statement.  The values and guiding principles of the organisation. 
3. 
   
   Putting it into action.  This is where the rubber meets the road.

Strategy is a combination of knowing who you are and why you exist coupled with the ability to assess and understand the current environment. 

Strategy is about using your knowledge of who you are and why you exist and exploiting opportunities in the current environment to your advantage.

Strategy is about understanding what you see in front of you and having skills, knowledge and actions ready to implement at the drop of a hat.