I’ve previously touched on military strategy when talking about predicability. Another strategy that has its origin in war is the Fabian strategy.
The Fabian strategy is where pitched battles and frontal assaults are avoided in favour of wearing down an opponent through a war of attrition and indirection. Its appearing as though you’re in retreat when in fact you are already planning your next move. You’re creating a situation where your enemy becomes complacent with a false sense of security, as if they’re getting the upper hand…and then you strike from the side only enough to cause confusion and keep people guessing.
Employing a Fabian strategy wears down your opponent by using harassing tactics through skirmishes to cause attrition, disrupt supply and affect morale. It’s chipping away at the major prize whilst efficiently utilising the resources you have to disrupt. Maintaining a view of the bigger picture is what Fabian is all about.
Like other military strategies, they can apply in more broad contexts. So next time you’re in battle [figuratively speaking of course], consider employing the Fabian strategy. Keep your eye on the major prize, employ the skills and resources you have without waste and without hubris.
Stay focussed on the main aim and chip away until its yours.