Strategy v. Leadership

Recently in a discussion group the following question was asked; Which is more important good strategy or leadership? Here was my response: Assuming that leadership already exists and is recognized within an organization, leadership will always win in the short term. Short term results are based on tactical actions that lead to or create a stated specific desired effect or result. For sustainable success, strategy and leadership must coexist but be independently recognizable by the organization. Leadership is the enforcement and strategy the plan, one can not carry the burden of improvement or change without the other. Unless unified and evident by daily actions and responses, the destiny of any project or the success of any organizational goal, will ultimately yield results below expectations.

In the absence of leadership, good strategy will remain on paper only. Leadership without strategy will perish.

Whether you ascend into leadership or have it placed upon you, strategy development (that is to say, strategic planning and strategic visioning) is the primary support structure that holds you in position.