Instead, a talented leader identifies the one or two critical issues in the situation—the pivot points that can multiply the effectiveness of effort—and then focuses and concentrates action and resources on them.

A strategy coordinates action to address a specific challenge.

In very general terms, a good strategy works by harnessing power and applying it where it will have the greatest effect.

Historical perspective helps you make judgments about importance and significance.

For example, people tend to place more weight on vivid examples than on broad statistical evidence.