The core difference lies in their roles: strategy is the plan, while strategic describes actions or processes that help achieve that plan.
To better understand the distinction, consider this breakdown:
Strategy vs. Strategic: A Detailed Comparison
Here's a table illustrating the key differences:
| Feature | Strategy | Strategic |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A comprehensive plan of action. | Related to or involved in long-term planning; helping to achieve a plan. |
| Function | Sets the overall direction and goals. | Describes actions, decisions, or considerations that support the strategy. |
| Nature | Noun | Adjective |
| Example | "Our strategy is to expand into new markets." | "A strategic alliance helped us enter the market." |
Deeper Dive with Examples
Let's illustrate the difference with more examples:
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Strategy Example: A company's strategy might be to become the market leader in sustainable energy solutions.
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Strategic Example: Forming a partnership with a leading battery technology company would be a strategic move to support their sustainability strategy. This word lays down the actions/process needed to achieve a plan as per dictionaries.
Practical Insights
Thinking about the difference can help you:
- Clearly define your overall goals (strategy).
- Make informed decisions about how to achieve those goals (strategic actions).
- Avoid confusing the plan with the actions designed to execute it.
Summary
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Strategy, as defined by both Oxford and Cambridge dictionaries, is “A plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim”.
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Strategic means “helping to achieve a plan” as per dictionaries.
