Learning with a Purpose: Tactical + Strategic

Sun Tzu, a Chinese military strategist, wrote in ‘The Art of War’ -

“Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.”

In learning also, both strategy & tactics play a key role!

Do you remember the time you learned how to bake a cake for a friend's birthday party? Or perhaps that online course you took to master a new programming language?

Learning experiences come in all shapes and sizes, but they can broadly be classified into:

• Tactical Learning 🎯

• Strategic Learning 🔭

Let us unpack these!

🎯 Tactical Learning: Navigating the Recipe Book

Imagine you're in your kitchen, clutching a recipe book, ready to bake a delicious cake. Tactical learning is like following a recipe to the letter. You're on a mission to achieve a specific, short-term goal.

Tactical learning is about acquiring specific skills or knowledge for immediate use. It's like a soldier on a mission - focused, precise, and outcome-driven. When you engage in tactical learning, you're essentially learning to solve a specific problem or address an immediate need.

For instance, when you're learning to bake that cake, you're not trying to become a professional baker; you're simply aiming to produce a mouthwatering dessert for a special occasion. Once you've mastered the recipe, you've achieved your tactical learning goal.

🔭 Strategic Learning: Building a Culinary Empire

Now, let's talk about strategic learning. Picture yourself as a budding entrepreneur who dreams of owning a chain of successful bakeries. Strategic learning is like going to culinary school to become a pastry chef. You're not just learning how to bake cakes; you're developing a wide range of culinary skills that align with your long-term goal.

Strategic learning is like planting seeds. Each skill or piece of knowledge you acquire contributes to the growth of a grand vision. It's a holistic approach to learning, where you're not only thinking about the present but also how your efforts will shape your future.

In the case of our aspiring pastry chef, they're not just following one cake recipe; they're learning about different baking techniques, pastry arts, and business management. They're building a strong foundation for their long-term goal of owning a chain of bakeries.

Choosing Your Learning Path: Tactical or Strategic?

Now that you understand the difference between tactical and strategic learning, you might wonder, '“How do I choose between the two?” Well, the answer depends on your current needs and long-term aspirations.

Here is a quick guide to help you:

Pick Tactical Learning 🎯 When

• You have an immediate problem to solve or a specific skill to acquire.

• You have short-term goals like passing an exam, completing a work project, or learning a new software tool.

• You’re looking to address issues efficiently and effectively

Pick Strategic Learning 🔭 When

• You want to align your learning with long-term life goals and ambitions

• Your focus is on career development, personal growth, and pursuing your passion

• You’re looking to build for a future that enables you to adapt to changing circumstances

Imagine your learning journey as a toolkit. Sometimes you need a single, specialized tool to fix an immediate issue aka Tactical Learning. Other times, you need an entire toolbox to build a better future Strategic Learning.

In conclusion, both tactical and strategic learning have their time and place in your educational journey. By understanding when to use each approach, you can make more informed decisions about your learning goals.