You don't think strategic enough, so we will consider you for the growth opportunity, the next time.
Tough to hear for any senior leader aspiring to move up in hierarchy and/or into strategic roles.
The observation can be debated as mere 'perception at play' or 'hard truth'. But it cannot be ignored.
What behaviours could have possibly led to such a decision?
You have been a go-getter and like to get things done. You do not pause to check whether that 'thing' needed to be done at all.
The "how" keeps you hustling than the "what".
You are seen as a 'reliable', 'conservative' risk taker and not 'envisioning'.
You like the trees for the forest and love living in details.
Your knowledge of market forces and industry trends can be better.
Your internal network within the organisation can improve.
Your analytical ability is greater than your ability to synthesise.
You love clarity & perfection.
You dislike uncertainty. What are these "idea" people talking for hours?
Let us just say that "Future" is not one of your favourites on the timeline.
These are thoughts, beliefs, preference patterns that I come across multiple clients of mine, who want to get better at "strategic thinking".
Unfortunately, most people think that by merely knowing "frameworks", they can become better at strategic thinking.
"Thinking" is a process that uses data/information/knowledge. But knowledge is no substitute for thinking.
Of course frameworks provide you with an ability to structure the thinking. But knowing frameworks alone will not make the cut.
So what helps to unlock the power of strategic thinking in you?
Going "Meta" on your Thinking
What's your default? Big picture / Details
What's your comfort zone? Ambiguity / Clarity
What are your habits? Jump to issue at hand / Analyse how does this fit
What is your preference? Analytical thinking / Creative thinking
What you get appreciated for? Getting things done / Defining things to be done
What timeline are you the best & worst: Past / Present / Future
2. Going "Meta" on your Energy
What is your default energy state?
Creative & Restless / Grounding & Stable / Go-getter & Hustler
What balance do you need?
Calmness / Drive / Creativity
What makes you light up? Doing new things / Doing known things well / Perfection
What learning excites you? Head / Hand / Reflection
What strengths create your energy field?
What drags your energy?
What does "change" do to your energy?
3. Going "Meta" on Perception
What is your dominant sense? Visual / Auditory / Kinesthetic
What filters/lens do you use to sense? Value of time is important
What cognitive biases do you carry? Dread details/ Lost in details
What cognitive distortions do you carry?
Black & white thinking/ Catastrophizing
What are your blind spot(s)?
Knowing the above will help you think strategically much faster than just reading frameworks.
If you like to learn more, pls join my Master Class here.
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