Ways to Prove You’re a Strategic Thinker
Strategic thinking is a critical skill for career advancement, especially for those aiming for leadership roles. However, more is needed to think strategically; you must also communicate strategically.
Brenda Steinberg and Michael D. Watkins share ten ways to demonstrate your strategic thinking skills.
Elevate Your Perspective: Use language that focuses on the broader landscape and the bigger picture, such as discussing the organization's long-term vision or the trajectory of industry innovation.
Be Forward-Looking: Demonstrate foresight by discussing future challenges and opportunities and frame discussions around long-term growth and competitors' plans.
Anticipate Potent Impacts: Highlight possible outcomes or unintended consequences of decisions to show thorough evaluation and critical thinking skills.
Connect the Dots: Illustrate your understanding of systems and interconnections, demonstrating an integrative and holistic thought process.
Simplify the Complicated: Break down complex issues into simple, essential terms, indicating a deep comprehension of the topic.
Use Analogies and Metaphors: Employ analogies and metaphors to make strategic ideas more relatable and understandable, translating complex jargon into everyday language.
Stimulate Strategic Dialogue: Ask reflective questions in conversations to foster a collective strategic mindset and encourage deeper thinking among colleagues.
Show You Are Informed: Base your insights on current realities and trends, demonstrating your awareness of the evolving landscape.
Practice Strategic Listening: Listen actively to others, building upon their ideas and incorporating diverse viewpoints to enhance discussions.
Seek Feedback: After strategic conversations, ask for feedback to show your commitment to learning and continuous improvement.
To excel in leadership, it's essential not only to be a strategic thinker but also an effective communicator of strategic ideas. Those who master both aspects are more likely to advance in their careers.
