Are You Really Being Strategic? (And What That Actually Means)

I was facilitating a session with a group of executives earlier this week, and I asked them a simple question:

What does it mean to be strategic?

Strategy is a complex concept, so I wasn’t surprised when their answers varied wildly.

Some said it’s about thinking long-term. Others talked about planning activities to drive a sustainable business. A few mentioned having a clear vision with outcomes and key milestones.

If your manager has ever told you to be more strategic, you’re not alone.

Most executives want their leaders to be more strategic, but very few can clearly explain what “being strategic” actually means.

Why? Strategy is complex and multi-layered.

In fact, there are three different components to being strategic. And most leaders only focus on one or two of them.

The Three Components of Strategic Leadership

To help you navigate the world of strategy, here are the three types you need to understand:

1. Strategic Thinking

This means taking time to think creatively about your business or team.

You challenge the status quo. You question assumptions. You define your vision and determine what future success looks like.

Strategic thinking is about stepping back from the day-to-day and asking: Where are we going? What needs to change? What opportunities are we missing?

2. Strategic Planning

This is where you move your vision into an actual plan.

You identify key goals and objectives to drive the business forward for the next 2-5 years. You clarify roles, responsibilities and timelines.

Without this step, strategic thinking stays stuck in your head instead of becoming reality.

3. Strategic Implementation

Now it’s time to implement your plan and move it into action.

This means holding your team accountable to move their goals forward. It’s about execution, follow-through and making sure things actually happen.

How to Make Strategy a Regular Part of Your Leadership

So, are you strategic? Are you spending your time thinking, planning and implementing your vision?

Here are a few tips to help you make strategy a regular part of your leadership practice:

• Strategic Thinking: Schedule time twice a year to do some strategic thinking with your team. Plan an off-site to discuss your business, your goals, your progress and challenge the status quo.
• Strategic Planning: Create your strategic plan with your team. Keep it on a shared drive and refer to it regularly so everyone has clarity on their roles and responsibilities.
• Strategic Implementation: Run weekly 15-minute meetings with your team to discuss specific actions they’ll take to move your goals forward.

Don’t Get Stuck in Tactical Mode

It’s very common for leaders to get stuck doing daily, tactical activities.

To make sure you don’t fall into that trap, open up your calendar right now and block off time to be strategic with your team.

You might be surprised at the results you’ll achieve by investing this time to think, plan and implement like a pro.

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