> Conversely, saying that Nelson's "strategy" was to have a decisive battle vs a skirmish is, by Rumelt's definition, a great example of "bad strategy".
Nelson's tactics were in pursuit of his strategy, and even they remain open to question. The fact Nelson is revered as Britain's greatest naval hero is a great example of "it's better to be lucky than good", and not a great example of excellent strategy (or tactics).
I haven't read the book. It may be great. But the introduction doesn't inspire me. Post-hoc analysis of success is subject to the same problem as basing one's life choices on what elite athletes say in interviews.
Nelson's tactics were in pursuit of his strategy, and even they remain open to question. The fact Nelson is revered as Britain's greatest naval hero is a great example of "it's better to be lucky than good", and not a great example of excellent strategy (or tactics).
I haven't read the book. It may be great. But the introduction doesn't inspire me. Post-hoc analysis of success is subject to the same problem as basing one's life choices on what elite athletes say in interviews.