Chapter 16. Mission, Vision, Goals, Strategies, Actions and Tactics Business strategy is the highest level planning and command in the organi- zation directed at reaching specic commercial and nancial goals. We at AppleSeed Enterprises are going to make some important decisions. Some- times deciding what to do is easy. Not much planning, analysis, or consultation is required to pick up a box of cornakes on the way home from work. And we were running out of 1% milk anyway. However, when a lot is riding on getting a business decision right, it is a good idea to be thoughtful and strategic. But what does strategy mean? How do we develop it? Developing good strategy is a process. We ask some questions, test some assump- tions, gather some information, look in- · Strategy is of the very highest importance to the success of the business and is thus the respon- sibility of top-level management. · Strategy is always actionable. We plan and execute actions to implement strategy. Strategy is measurable and thus we will know if it works or not. · Strategy is forward thinking. It is not about past actions but rather about shaping the future. However, strategy must also be in the moment and reect the current environment facing the business. · Strategy is systematic, realistic and inclusive. Strategy that is creative and unique will be more