How many times have you heard executive leadership say that an individual "is not strategic" or read a job description in search of "a strategic thinker"? Often, individual contributors are elevated through leadership ranks because they are strong subject matter experts, strong task managers, or well-liked by the team. Yet, these talented individuals are rarely mentored or coached in the attributes of strategic leadership. Further, they have not personally witnessed strategic leadership, so they mimic whatever they have experienced in the workforce, whether effective or toxic. Being strategic is a must-have skill for leaders today: But what does that mean?

Strategic leaders possess the unique set of attributes described below that distinguish them in their ability to navigate complex challenges, inspire teams, and drive organizations toward success:

  1. Visionary Thinking
  • Long-Term Perspective: Strategic leaders clearly envision the future and can think beyond short-term goals. They focus on the organization's long-term success and sustainability.
  • Big-Picture Orientation: They see the broader context and understand how various elements within and outside the organization interact. This helps in making informed decisions that align with overarching goals.
  • Ask Why, Not Just How: In seeing the broader context, visionary thinkers think about why things are done a certain way instead of just how they are done. Their approach to problems involves a holistic understanding of the environment, which empowers them to approach problems with new solutions instead of being compelled to work within the confines of existing processes. Visionaries are willing and able to generate multiple ideas and select the appropriate one to execute with precision.
  1. Adaptability
  • Flexibility: Strategic leaders are adaptable and can adjust their plans in response to internal or external environmental changes. They embrace innovation and are open to new ideas that enhance organizational effectiveness.
  • Resilience: In the face of challenges, strategic leaders remain resilient. They acknowledge the natural frustration (in themselves and the team), but view setbacks as opportunities to learn and improve rather than insurmountable obstacles. A resilient leader will create a safe space for acknowledging setbacks and build the mental and emotional capacity to handle it.
  1. Effective Communication
  • Clarity and Transparency: Strategic leaders communicate a compelling vision with clarity. They are transparent about goals, expectations, and challenges, fostering a shared understanding among team members.
  • Active Listening: They value input from others and actively seek diverse perspectives. Effective communication is a two-way street, and strategic leaders ensure that they understand the concerns and ideas of their team.
  1. Strategic Planning
  • Analytical Skills: A strategic leader possesses strong analytical skills to assess complex situations, gather relevant information, and make informed decisions. The mark of success of a strategic leader is the ability to rely on capable team members to provide the relevant information to inform these complex decisions.
  • Strategic Thinking: They are adept at developing and implementing strategic plans that align with or inform the organization's mission and goals. This involves considering potential risks and opportunities.
  1. Inspiring Leadership
  • Motivational Skills: Strategic leaders inspire and motivate their teams. They understand the importance of fostering a positive, collaborative work environment that encourages creativity and dedication.
  • Lead by Example: Leading from the front, they demonstrate the values and behaviors expected from their team. This builds trust and credibility among team members.
  1. Decisiveness
  • Timely Decision-Making: Strategic leaders make timely and effective decisions, even in the face of uncertainty. They weigh options carefully, including considering the organization's risk appetite, but avoid becoming paralyzed by indecision.
  • Risk Management: They are comfortable taking calculated risks and understand that innovation and growth often require stepping outside of their comfort zone.
  1. Cultural Intelligence
  • Diversity and Inclusion: Strategic leaders value diversity and inclusion, recognizing the strength of different perspectives. They recruit and retain talent with varying qualities (e.g., analytical skills, communication style, leadership and management approach, etc.). They foster a culture where differences are not only celebrated, but the unique skill sets of each individual are harnessed and leveraged at the appropriate time so they are working at their highest value to achieve success for the organization and individual.
  • Global Awareness: In an interconnected world, strategic leaders understand global trends and the impact of international factors on their organization.
  1. Collaboration and Team Building
  • Team Empowerment: They empower their teams by providing resources, support, and autonomy. Support does not just mean offering an encouraging ear but actively participating in conflict resolution, problem-solving, communication, and building consensus.  Sometimes, all that is needed is for the rest of the organization to know that you have your team's back and, right or wrong, you will take the fall with them. Strategic leaders understand that the collective effort of a motivated team is essential for success.
  • Collaborative Decision-Making Involving key stakeholders in decision-making fosters a sense of ownership and commitment to shared goals.

Strategic leaders are not just born, they are developed over time with experiences that allow them to sharpen these skills. There is no better school than managing through chaotic situations and experiencing failures to learn and pivot from. I always tell my teams, "We run towards the fire when everyone else is running away or complaining about it."  That is where we find true growth, and where strategic leadership attributes are honed.