You've been told to "be more strategic."
What does that actually mean?
I've found that strategic thinking is really a set of habits.
Here are 6:
- Understand the business strategy
Know where the company is going.
A deep understanding of the overall strategy provides context for your actions and decisions.
It also signals to others that you're considering the right inputs.
- Connect your work to the bigger picture
Don't just talk about what you're delivering.
Explain how it supports the company's strategy and the impact it's creating.
That's how people see your work beyond the immediate task.
- Look for ways to scale your impact
Think beyond your own team or project.
Ask yourself:
"Could this solve a problem somewhere else?"
Strategic thinkers always look for leverage.
- Bring new opportunities
Have agency. Be proactive instead of waiting to be asked.
Share ideas.
Challenge assumptions.
Suggest improvements.
Not every idea will be adopted. That's not the point.
Consistently looking ahead is a strategic habit.
- Make your thinking visible
This is the one I see overlooked most often.
Don't just present the conclusion.
Explain the options you considered, the trade-offs you weighed, and why you made the recommendation.
People can't appreciate strategic thinking they never get to see.
- Communicate at the right altitude
Especially with senior leaders.
Start with the recommendation.
Then provide the first level of detail.
Go deeper as needed.
One final thought.
Strategic thinking requires mental space.
If every minute of your day is spent reacting, it's hard to think strategically.
Create space in your schedule to step back and think.
What would you add?