Are Your Strategies Wolves in Disguise? How to Know If You’re Confusing Goals with Strategy

How often do leaders confuse a list of goals with a solid strategy?

When it comes to leadership, the terms “goals” and “strategy” often get used interchangeably.

But they’re not the same! Confusing the two can leave your organization wandering without a clear path forward.

A great example? Little Red Riding Hood.

Little Red confidently heads toward her destination, thinking she’s talking to Grandma, not knowing that she’s actually talking to a wolf.

Like Little Red, leaders can confuse strategy (grandma) with goals (the wolf) — a case of mistaken identity. The “strategy” might look good on the surface, but it lacks the structure and cohesion needed to maximize the road to success.

And this confusion can mean all the difference between exceptional and mediocre results.

The Difference Between Goals and Strategy

Goals are your “what”—the results you want. 

Strategy, on the other hand, is the “how”—the master plan that aligns all your actions into a cohesive pathway to success.

Without a strategy, your goals are just beads scattered on the floor, disconnected and chaotic.

But when strung together intentionally, they create the clarity and purpose that propel you forward.

Why Leaders Get Confused

 It’s easy to see why goals are mistaken for strategy.

Both focus on outcomes, but goals are only the what, not the how. Without a cohesive approach, goals are just a list of wishes—a map with destinations marked but no routes connecting them.

In fact, some leaders even present goals as strategies. For example: “Our strategy is to increase customer satisfaction and improve product quality.”

These are goals, not strategies.

What a Strategy Is

A strategy explains how you’ll achieve these outcomes.

An actual strategy is more than just a list of goals; it’s a well-thought-out journey. It considers the path, the resources needed, potential obstacles, and how to adapt along the way.

Watch the video above for examples and questions to ensure you truly are developing a strategy!

Ready to gain clarity and momentum? 

Building an effective organization is one of the most impactful ways to achieve your vision and create meaningful results.

If you’re ready to align your team, overcome challenges, and move forward with confidence, let’s connect.

Schedule a free Effectiveness Accelerator Call and discover how we can help you create a clear path to success and lasting growth.