Leaders obsess over logistics, not strategy

Leaders often focus on logistics rather than strategy. The speaker talks about cutting down a troublesome tree and how they took the time to plan and prepare for the task, emphasizing the importance of logistics and reconnaissance. They mention examples from historical figures like the Duke of Wellington and Abraham Lincoln, who believed in the value of preparation. The speaker also mentions a similar idea found in a novel, where professionals who obsess over logistics are more successful than amateurs who focus on strategy. The overall message is that success depends on careful planning and preparation, rather than just relying on strategy. Hello, Jeremy Dieter, and welcome to the Insight Post for the 13th of September, 2023. Leaders obsess over logistics, not strategy. My next-door neighbour asked me if I could cut down an ash tree for her. The tree must have solsticed over a decade ago in the most inconvenient place it could find. It was now blocking out light, crowding out other plants, and damaging the walls of the house. So, after work one evening last week, I nipped into the next-door garden to take a look. Mulling over the various aspects of the task, I was startled by my neighbour telling me that looking at the tree wouldn't fell it. I agreed with her, but explained that leaders from the Duke of Wellington and others all acclaimed that time spent on reconnaissance is seldom wasted. I could have gone on to quote Abraham Lincoln to her. Lincoln is reputed to have said that, given eight hours to cut down a tree, he would spend the first six hours shafting the axe. However, I thought this might be a bridge too far for my neighbour, so I kept my mouth shut. Professional success over logistics, not strategy. I came across a slightly different version of this wisdom in R. F. Trung's mystical novel, The Burning God. On the verge of another battle, one of Trung's characters fulminates over amateurs who obsess over strategy, whilst commending professionals who obsess over logistics and succeed. So it was with my ash tree. The neighbour obsessed with her strategy of cutting down the tree to solve the problem that it caused. I, on the other hand, obsessed over logistics or the task, taking time to plan the operation to remove the tree without causing collateral damage and removing the debris. Success depends on preparation, and this is why I spend a seemingly disproportionate amount of time with clients working out where they stand before they make any decisions about their future. This is an obsession with logistics, planning and reconnaissance. It takes time. It pays dividends. There is an alternative approach. You can rush in and with luck you will succeed, but planning something, whether it be a shopping trip, a holiday, rearranging the house or garden, or your life and money after the kids leave home, increases your chance of success. The success of a project depends on preparation, planning and reconnaissance, rather than the strategy behind what you are doing.