For the longest time I thought everyone was taught GOST in biz school. Every day now I am reminded that this is not true. It's sad and it contributes to so many misaligned priorities.
GOST stands for Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Tactics. It's a specific order, much like Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species. Furthermore, there's specific constraints and relationships between the order. A Goal is typically singular, while Objectives are mean to measure progress to achieving a Goal. Strategies support a specific Objective, and Tactics are the minutia of merit in executing a Strategy.
I remember when I first learned GOST in business school and our homework was to write a mini-strategic plan using GOST. My friend, in his usual frat-boy twist on things, decided to plan out his desire to get laid (Goal) with all the Objectives, Strategies and Tactics necessary to do this. Not only was it hilarious watching him have to give a presentation on this in front of the class, it created an indelible image of the structure in my mind. Proclivity to unsnapping a brastrap with one hand was most definitely a Tactic not to be confused with an Objetive or Strategy.
I explain it so many times to employees and customers that I have a simple example that I give out now:
Goals > Objectives > Strategies > Tactics
GOST for short
A Goal is measured by Objectives
Objectives, if met, ensure Goal is achieved
Strategies are methods/efforts enlisted to meet Objectives
Tactics are explicitly applied experience/expertise/execution/application to Strategies.
Goal: Run and finish the Boston Marathon in February
Objective 1: Qualify for the Marathon
Strategy 1: Compete in November LA Qualifier, if unsuccessful see Strategy 2
Tactic: My training partner will be in LA, running with her is productive
Tactic: LA is at Sea Level. My training in Reno is at altitude. Better chance
Strategy 2: Compete in December Reno Qualifier
Tactic: Learn from mistakes in LA, revise training plan
Tactic: Train on this course for familiarity
Tactic: More friends for support
Objective 2: Save $1,875 for trips to Boston, LA
Strategy: Stop eating out for 3 months, save $1,000
Tactic: Train when I typically would desire to eat out
Strategy: Reduce month's entertainment budget by $100.00, save it
Tactic: More training means less time to spend $$ on entertainment
Objective 3: Implement training program designed by Ross
Strategy: Meet with Ross (personal trainer) every 2 weeks to assess progress
Strategy: Convince Ross to train with me at least twice a month.
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