STRATEGYMonths to result

Take Small Bites: The Fait Accompli Strategy

Create gradual change

Problem it solves

unclear strategic direction

Best for

Those who want to create gradual change without alerting their enemies

Not ideal for

Those who prefer direct confrontation

Overview

Why this framework exists

This strategy involves taking small bites, or making gradual changes, to achieve a long-term goal. By doing so, one can create a sense of inevitability and make it difficult for their enemies to react or counterattack. The fait accompli strategy is about creating a situation where the outcome is already determined, making it difficult for others to change the course of events.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Take small bites, or make gradual changes, to achieve a long-term goal.
  2. Create a sense of inevitability, making it difficult for your enemies to react or counterattack.
  3. Create a situation where the outcome is already determined, making it difficult for others to change the course of events.

Steps

2 steps
  1. Identify Your Long-Term Goal
    Identify your long-term goal, and create a plan to achieve it through gradual changes. This can be achieved by breaking down the goal into smaller, manageable steps, and creating a timeline for implementation.
    Pro tipUse incrementalism to create a sense of gradual change, making it difficult for your enemies to react or counterattack.
    WarningBe careful not to become too complacent, as this can create an opportunity for your enemies to counterattack.
  2. Create a Sense of Inevitability
    Create a sense of inevitability, by making gradual changes that are difficult to reverse. This can be achieved by creating a sense of momentum, and making it difficult for others to change the course of events.
    Pro tipUse propaganda and manipulation to create a sense of inevitability, making it difficult for your enemies to react or counterattack.
    WarningBe careful not to become too predictable, as this can create an opportunity for your enemies to counter your moves.

Checklist

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Examples

1 cases
The Roman Conquest of Italy

The Roman conquest of Italy is a classic example of the fait accompli strategy. The Romans used gradual conquest and absorption to achieve their goal, creating a sense of inevitability and making it difficult for their enemies to react or counterattack.

OutcomeThe Romans ultimately achieved their goal, creating a vast empire that lasted for centuries.

Common mistakes

2 traps
Becoming Too Complacent
Becoming too complacent can create an opportunity for your enemies to counterattack, putting you at a disadvantage.
Becoming Too Predictable
Becoming too predictable can create an opportunity for your enemies to counter your moves, putting you at a disadvantage.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The concept of fait accompli has its roots in ancient history, where individuals and groups would often use tactics such as gradual conquest and absorption to achieve their goals. This strategy has been used throughout history, from the ancient Roman Empire to modern-day business and politics.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
The 33 Strategies of War
Robert Greene & Joost Elffers · 2006
Open source →

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