A good strategy is not just for us to win
The strategy experts who study international strategy said, “A good strategy is not just for us to win a specific game, but to give us more choices.” This sentence is particularly thought-provoking. It is the most in-depth sentence I have heard on this topic. I will briefly explain three points as follows.
First, the purpose of our usual actions is often to gain money, power, or prestige. But if we think about it one step further, why do we want these things? It’s to give us more choices and freedom.
For example, having money allows us to choose whether or not to work. If the company or boss is bad, we can choose not to go to work, which makes a huge difference compared to someone who has to go. Although we are all working seriously at this moment, we are not the same person. So, while others can only do what they are forced to do, we have more choices because we have a little money, power, and prestige. This is the goal of our strategy – to generate or obtain more choices.
In brief, the usual goal of actions, such as gaining money, power, or prestige, is ultimately to have more choices and freedom. For example, having money allows one to choose whether to work or not while lacking money can limit one’s options.
Secondly, if we have to do something and have no choice, even if we win, it is a strategic failure. For example, in the Chu-Han contention, General Han Xin fought an uphill battle. He had no choice but to fight. Even though he won, it was still a strategic failure. It sounds very tragic, but it is actually a complete strategic sorrow.
Then, unprecedentedly, there is only such a saying for the Han Xin case, the last stand. If you always find yourself to accomplish things or tasks and fighting at the last stand, you will always be in a trap or drown in a bad strategy, no matter in study, work, or business. Still, it’s because of no choice.
Thus, we notice that even if one wins a game or achieves a goal if they had no choice but to do so, it is still a strategic failure. The author uses the example of Han Xin in the Chu-Han War, who was forced to fight an uphill battle and ultimately suffered a strategic defeat.
Thirdly, we often feel like we have no choice. For instance, we say things like “I must pass this unit for the exam” or “I must get this offer.” Then we have forced ourselves into a state of no choice, which is not the case most of the time.
However, most of the time, we do have other options. Let’s take a step back and think, do we really have no other choice? As soon as you come up with one other option, you suddenly understand, oh, I turned out to be a strategic person too. By taking a step back and considering other options, we can become more strategic and increase our choices.
In addition, people often feel like they have no choice in certain situations, but this is not always true. By taking a step back and considering other options, one can become more strategic and increase their choices.
In conclusion, a good strategy is not just about winning a specific game, but also about having more options available. This is the concept of strategy and how it relates to having more choices.
