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You’ve received the feedback to “be more strategic” but aren’t sure how. Getting clear on what strategic action means is a helpful starting place: “a strategic action is one that prepares a company, an organization, or an individual to be better positioned for an imagined future that is different from the present” is a clear definition I like from Josh Bernoff. Being more strategic ensures companies and professionals keep growing, stay fresh, and thrive.
After understanding what it means to be more strategic, a common reason I hear from professionals about why they aren’t more strategic is that they don’t have time. The tactics of putting out fires, reacting to others’ needs, attending meetings, responding to emails, or chasing quick wins capture their time and focus. Being strategic is not just for business and team leaders. The truth is that ALL professionals need to make time to be strategic - this is how you lead yourself well and thrive. You must protect time in your week, every week, to think about your future.
In this blog post, I’m focusing on the power of being strategic and why professionals must make time for strategic thinking to thrive. Here are 10 reasons why you must make time for future-oriented thinking:
1. You need to move away from the unhealthy and uninspiring grind of reaction and tactics of your present situation and start dreaming, planning, and creating your ideal future and the success you crave. It is so tempting to run away from the work and fatigue on Fridays (even mid-Friday for many these days), instead, take those couple of hours to prepare for the week ahead.
2. Your career aspirations are bright, don’t let them dim by delaying for too long and missing opportunities. Start actively determining what you need to start moving in that direction today. Review your career goals and identify one step you can take next week to move you closer to that place.
3. Your organization needs you to maximize your impact, so you need to be certain that the work you are performing is aligned to the business priorities that you are responsible for delivering, and that it is the highest and best use of your time, skills, and experience. I’ve found myself doing lower-level work than I was capable of or hired for because it was easy, it was mindless, it was familiar, and it was plentiful. Don’t be the professional that chooses familiar every time, you want better for yourself than that.
4. You need to spend time envisioning what you want for your career – you haven’t actually thought about your career goals ever, you’ve enjoyed waiting for others to notice you and recognize your contributions. Well, it’s time to consider what you want to be “famous” for and then start building a plan to get there – don’t leave your career in the hands of people who like the security of keeping you right where you are.
5. You and your colleagues are struggling right now to level up your game…you are watching each other for inspiration and how you intentionally choose to show up impacts others’ motivation. Bring the presence, outlook, and energy that would invigorate your teammates, and it will undoubtedly impress your leadership too.
6. You need to start seeding for your future by developing new skills and broadening your experiences. Start by determining the type of learning opportunity you need and how you will get it – if it is a class, who offers the best program, how will you pay for it, where will it fit in your schedule, etc. If it is a stretch assignment, can you join a professional organization for that type of experience, what team has those types of assignments within your organization, do you know the decision-makers that can help you be considered, etc.
7. Your business needs your engaged participation in every meeting, so if you accept the meeting invite, show up equipped to provide your unique contributions, including data, questions, and alternate viewpoints. Please don’t just show up to a meeting grasping for fleeting ideas in the moment, arrive focused and prepared or decline/reschedule the invite. Cancel any meetings you’ve scheduled that are not critical to the business success and/or your professional goals for the week.
8. You need time to reflect and celebrate what you’ve accomplished today, this week, this quarter, this year. It is so easy to forget our contributions because of the pace and haste of each passing day. Take time to journal your accomplishments and periodically review them for affirmation when you’re feeling exhausted, validation when you need proof of your value for yourself or others, or proof statements for sharing in new pursuits.
9. Your network likely needs a refresh so that you keep learning, growing, and moving closer to your ideal role. Your growth depends on leaders who know you, know your ambitions, and are actively helping you gain the visibility, skills, and experiences you need to get to your ideal future. Take time to reflect on who is contributing well, who is missing from your network that is needed to get you there, and then intentionally invest time with those types of people.
10. You need to evaluate the work you are doing this week to ensure those activities are helping you grow or get closer to your professional goals. Regularly affirm a link between your responsibilities today and your future ambitions. Revisit your business goals for the quarter/year to evaluate your progress and determine next steps so you finish the period strong. Every day doesn’t need to be strategic but stay connected to your vision for your ideal future and make the changes needed to stay on that path.
I challenge all leaders to block at least two hours per week on your calendar – completely uninterrupted - to help yourself (and your organization) move closer to your aspirations and priorities. Learning to think critically and future-oriented about your role, goals, and impact takes practice, but you will not grow and thrive if you don’t intentionally create space to do it.
I coach growth-minded professionals to lead well, get recognized, and thrive. As a coach, I offer perspective, accountability, feedback, encouragement, and additional possibilities. I'd love to chat with you about how I can accelerate your journey to leadership at the next level.
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