Definition

A calculated move or maneuver designed to achieve a specific short-term objective, as opposed to strategy which is the long game. In business, it's the specific actions you take; in military contexts, it's how you don't get outflanked. The difference between tactics and strategy is like the difference between knowing how to code and knowing what to build.

Example Usage

His tactic of replying to all company emails with 'Sounds good!' saved him hours while conveying absolutely nothing.

Source: Wiktionary via Free Dictionary API

Related Terms

Beginner

gatekeeper

A person or system controlling access to resources, opportunities, or decision-makers—essentially the bouncer of the business world. In healthcare, it's the primary care physician who must approve specialist referrals; in media, it's editors deciding what content reaches audiences. The role that simultaneously protects from chaos and frustrates everyone who needs to get through that metaphorical gate.

💼 Corporate / Business
Beginner

sustainability

The corporate buzzword for "not destroying everything for future generations," now slapped on every product and mission statement regardless of actual environmental impact. It's the art of meeting present needs without compromising the future, though in practice it often means using recycled paper for reports about why we can't afford real change. Bonus points if you put it in your company values next to "innovation" and "synergy."

💼 Corporate / Business
Intermediate

Buy-In

Getting people to agree with your idea, typically achieved through a combination of PowerPoint slides, free lunch, and mild intimidation. Without buy-in, your brilliant proposal is just a Google Doc that nobody starred.

💼 Corporate / Business
Intermediate

re-up

To hit the renewal button on a contract, lease, or commitment before it expires and you're left scrambling. Originally military slang for re-enlisting, it's now used across industries whenever someone decides "yeah, let's do this again." It's the adult equivalent of saying "same time next year?"

💼 Corporate / Business
Advanced

triangulation

Corporate jargon for a mysteriously undefined requirement that conveniently prevents you from getting promoted. It's the business world's version of 'you need experience to get experience'—a catch-22 wrapped in a buzzword.

💼 Corporate / Business
Intermediate

Parallel path

Working on multiple approaches simultaneously in case one fails, which sounds strategic until you realize you're just doing twice the work. The corporate version of hedging your bets.

💼 Corporate / Business

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