At its core, strategy is straightforward. It’s about diagnosing your organization’s core challenge and setting a guiding policy to tackle it. Tactics, on the other hand, are the specific actions your organization takes to achieve its objectives. Tactics without strategy often arise from a fear of competition or losing market share but ultimately, they are only distractions that steer you off course from sustained success.
center for professional & executive development
Four Leadership Trends That Can’t Be Ignored
How can we prepare leaders for a workplace that’s changing faster than ever? Here are the most important takeaways from the DDI Global Leadership Forecast 2025—and what they mean for leadership development moving forward.
Finance Fundamentals: The Essential Financial Skills Every Leader Needs
The ability to understand and apply financial principles is a game-changer for business professionals. Whether you’re managing budgets, shaping strategy, or leading organizational change, financial literacy helps you make better decisions, communicate with confidence, and drive business success.
Simplifying Health Care Budgets: What You Need to Know
In health care, a well-crafted budget is more than just a financial plan—it’s a strategic powerhouse. By mastering budgeting skills and approaches, health care leaders can turn financial challenges into opportunities, ensuring that every dollar spent drives innovation, enhances patient care, and secures a sustainable future.
Improve Your Communication Effectiveness Before You Even Speak
Surprises and unpredictability create stress and communication barriers, even when the message is positive. Everyday habits can build communication effectiveness over time (or destroy it, if they aren’t used).
The Essentials of Authentic Leadership for Modern Business Leaders
Authentic leadership isn’t a skill you master overnight; it’s a continuous journey of growth and self-awareness. By committing to this journey, you foster trust, inspire teams, and create a lasting impact in your organization.
WSB CPED Partners with Ziplines Education
New collaboration between Wisconsin School of Business Center for Professional & Executive Development and Ziplines Education empowers professionals at all career levels to stay relevant in today’s tech-driven world.
Why Your Retail Strategy Needs to Identify Weak Signals
One of the most overlooked tools in a retail leader’s arsenal is the ability to recognize weak signals—small indicators of change that hint at coming trends. Paying attention to weak signals can help you get ahead of the curve.
A Strategic Guide for Retail Digital Transformation
Whether you’re just starting on your digital transformation journey or looking to refine your approach, “Retail’s Guide to Business Strategy and Change Management for Digital Transformation Success” provides the insights and tools you need to succeed.
How Insurance Leaders Can Identify and Nurture High-Potential Talent
Like many others, the insurance industry thrives on a foundation of skilled professionals who can adapt to changing markets, regulations, and customer needs. However, identifying and nurturing high-potential (HiPo) talent on any team isn’t just about spotting top performers but recognizing those who can grow beyond their current roles and drive the company’s future success.