Yōuxiù de guǎnlǐzhě dǒngde yùnchóu-wéiwò, juéshèng qiān lǐ.
Excellent managers know how to strategize from headquarters and win battles a thousand miles away.
Tips
history
From 《史记·高祖本纪》: 夫运筹帷幄之中，决胜千里之外. Liu Bang praised his strategist Zhang Liang, who planned campaigns inside the command tent and decided victories a thousand li away. The full idiom is often paired with 决胜千里 to this day.
usage
Applies to leaders and strategists, such as generals, coaches, executives, political operatives. Rarely used for hands-on workers. Written register is preferred; in casual speech, 统筹 or 策划 are more common.
