Yōuxiù de guǎnlǐzhě dǒngde yùnchóuwéiwò, juéshèng qiānlǐ.
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 — 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.
