10 Ways to Prove You’re a Strategic Thinker

hbr.org

11 ideas

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Corporate Culture

Strategy

Career

Business

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TLDR:

To succeed in business, strategic thinking alone isn't enough. You must also effectively communicate your ideas.

This can be achieved through techniques such as

elevating the conversation,
being forward-looking,
connecting concepts,
simplifying complex issues,
using metaphors and analogies, and
seeking feedback.

567 reads

Elevate your perspective

Describe the broader landscape and articulate the bigger-picture narrative.

“Considering our organization’s three-year vision…”

“Reflecting on the trajectory of innovation in our industry…”

Align stakeholders, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

460 reads

Anticipate potent impacts

Assess and communicate broader potential effects of decisions.

Highlight possible outcomes or unintended consequences.

“This product has the potential to…”

“Beyond the immediate benefits, our long-term gains include…”

Show that you value thorough evaluation over immediate action.

380 reads

Be forward-looking

See emerging challenges and opportunities.

Demonstrate that you are thinking about the future.

“Projecting our growth, by 2028…”

“In light of our competitors’ plans, should we be…”

Demonstrate your capacity to help the organization develop long-term strategy.

311 reads

Connect the dots

Look beyond surface events to the deeper picture of systems and interconnections.

“This unexpected increase in digital adoption directly influences our e-commerce strategy…”

“Because of these supply chain constraints, we must revise our production timelines and product development strategy…”

Show you have an integrative and holistic thought process.

279 reads

Simplify the complicated

Break down complex situations in simple yet powerful terms.

“In essence, this technology can…”

“At its core, our strategy rests on three pillars…”

Indicate masterful comprehension of the topic.

268 reads

Use analogies and metaphors

“Think of our infrastructure as the backbone, supporting every function…”

“Imagine our marketing approach as a net, widening to capture diverse markets…”

Communicate strategic ideas in relatable ways.

Translate strategic jargon into everyday language,

248 reads

Stimulate strategic dialogue

Ask reflective questions.

“If our brand were a story, what chapter are we in?”

“How does this decision echo our company’s foundational values?”

Create an environment where strategic thinking is collective.

Prompt discussions to refine ideas.

244 reads

Show you are informed

Keep strategic insights grounded in current realities.

“Given the recent shifts in digital consumption patterns…”

“The latest research on consumer behaviour suggests…”

Prove you are informed about the evolving landscape.

237 reads

Practice strategic listening

Incorporates disparate views.

Listen to others closely and actively.

“Building on what you’ve said…”

“Your point about market saturation aligns with…”

Enrich the discussion. Activate the group’s collective intelligence.

227 reads

Seek feedback

Focus on learning by asking for feedback from others.

“Did the strategic direction resonate with everyone?”

“How can we better align these discussions with our broader mission?”

Demonstrate your commitment to growth and improvement.

222 reads

IDEAS CURATED BY

Girish Nalawade

@gsn16

Taking over the world, one good idea at a time. 💡

CURATOR'S NOTE

To succeed in the business world, it is crucial for leaders to possess strong skills in strategic thinking and communication. The ability to not only develop effective strategies, but also articulate them clearly, is what sets individuals apart and propels them to the highest levels of success.

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