Ambition Quote by Richard Rumelt
““Strategy cannot be a useful concept if it is a synonym for success. Nor can it be a useful tool if it is confused with ambition, determination, inspirational leadership, and innovation. Ambition is drive and zeal to excel. Determination is commitment and grit. Innovation is the discovery and engineering of new ways to do things. Inspirational leadership motivates people to sacrifice for their own and the common good.1 And strategy, responsive to innovation and ambition, selects the path, identifying how, why, and where leadership and determination are to be applied.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Good Strategy Bad Strategy, 2011
Strategy is distinct from success, ambition, determination, leadership, and innovation; it selects paths and applies resources wisely.
In simple terms: Strategy is a tool, not a synonym for success or ambition.
Key Takeaway
Separate strategy from other concepts.
Themes
strategy
leadership
innovation
ambition
determination
Mood
analytical
pragmatic
Type
business
philosophical
When to use this quote
- business planning
- military campaigns
- public policy
- personal goal setting
Key Concepts
resource allocation
decision making
organizational design
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines a good strategy in your field?
- How do you ensure strategy remains distinct from mere ambition?
A Different Perspective
Confusing strategy with ambition can lead to misguided actions.
