Like many complex undertakings, investigations benefit from having a strategy in place before implementing tactics. Strategy refers to the guiding plan, including purpose, scope, and goal—the why and what behind the desired end results. Tactics encompass the steps taken to achieve those goals.
It’s often tempting to skip the strategic planning and dive into tactics. After all, the sooner you start, the sooner you can reach the end goal and mark the project complete.
However, failure to define important details—such as why and what—up front can lead to a disconnect between the investigative steps and the end result. Some steps may need to be repeated. Multiple requests for information may be sent to the same people.
Rushing the process can also lead to failures.
Advantages of a Sound Investigative Strategy
Prioritizing strategy over tactics brings several benefits to any investigation:
- Efficiency. Knowing what must be done can eliminate wasted time and other resources for better results.
- Effectiveness. Pursuing the most promising leads increases the chances of success.
- Risk management. Anticipating challenges and constraints minimizes surprises and legal pitfalls.
- Credibility. A methodical approach creates a level of trust with clients and all those involved.
- Teamwork. Having a clear strategic plan unites team members in striving toward a common goal.
How to Apply Strategy to Investigations
While a strategic mindset comes naturally for some, tactical thinking often kicks in first. Cultivating a strategy-first approach typically takes time and experience. Some practical steps for applying this thinking to investigations follow:
- Review the big picture. Take time to consider the details and clarify the objective and scope.
- Collaborate. Having others with different perspectives and experiences will help fine-tune the strategy.
- Assess risks. What legal, ethical, or logistical constraints must be considered? What potential risks might jeopardize the investigation or harm the client?
- Document and prioritize. Write down the strategy and share it with all team members to ensure alignment and accountability.
- Re-evaluate. As new facts and results come to light, the strategy may have to adapt. If the first approach fails, how should the investigation continue?
- Plan a post-investigation review. Afterward, review what was done well and what should be done differently in the future.
Real-World Examples of Strategy vs. Tactics
The above steps represent general guidelines. No single approach will work across the board. Different investigations and goals require different approaches.
For example, clients frequently request due diligence research on a person or company before embarking on a merger and/or acquisition.
- Tactical. Submit initial database queries, and ask questions from known sources.
- Strategic. Take time to understand the end goal. Consider such factors as time constraints and potential conflicts of interest. Account for information that is already available.
Another common investigative request is to identify and locate potential witnesses of a litigation case, such as a motor vehicle accident.
- Tactical. Take the known information, and start researching and making phone calls to the most obvious sources.
- Strategic. Review the available information, and ask additional questions. Are there time or legal constraints? Is the client looking for specific pieces of information? Understand the true end goal, and identify effective steps for achieving the desired result.
Building a solid strategy to determine the timeline, approach, and follow-through will yield the best chance of success.
Most investigations involving fraud, harassment, or compliance issues require a balance of discretion, thoroughness, and legal considerations, particularly in the corporate world. Taking a strategic approach to investigations increases the chances of success, while protecting both the company and the rights of those involved.
