Let’s face it, being told you need to be more “strategic” at work is like being told you should “just relax” when you’re stressed. It sounds like a good idea, but where do you even start? You may find yourself nodding your head in agreement during those team meetings where “strategic thinking” was the buzzword du jour, but really wondering what it actually means.
So, what does it actually mean to be strategic?
Well, it’s not about having the most impressive vocabulary or crafting complex plans. Nope, it’s about understanding the big picture and how your work fits into it. It’s about finding your “why” and using it as your guiding star. But how, you ask? Here are a few questions to get your strategic juices flowing:
- Can I explain my work to a non-expert and say “why” it’s important?
- Do I understand my colleagues’ work and “why” it matters?
- Do I get the “why” of my organization as a whole?
These questions might seem deceptively simple, but they’re actually profound. When you can answer them confidently, you’re well on your way to thinking more strategically.
Here’s the deal. The higher you climb the career ladder, the more you’ll find yourself working with people who don’t share your expertise. And guess what? They’re not mind readers. They won’t automatically understand why your work matters, and you won’t automatically get what makes their hearts beat faster.
But here’s where the magic happens: when you grasp your “why” and can communicate it clearly, you can:
Help others see the value of your work
When you can articulate your “why,” you can help others understand how your work aligns with their goals and the overall mission of the organization. Your colleagues won’t be left scratching their heads, wondering what you bring to the table.
Generate ideas that matter
With a solid grasp of your “why,” you can come up with ideas that either support the existing purpose or forge a new path. No more throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping something sticks. Your ideas will have direction and purpose.
Get buy-in for your ideas
When you understand the priorities of others and can speak to how your ideas align with their goals, you’re more likely to get their support. It’s like offering them a helping hand to achieve their objectives – who could resist that?
Here’s the kicker: Asking and answering these questions isn’t just about thinking strategically. It’s about accelerating your learning process.
As you start connecting the dots and seeing the bigger picture, you’ll find that your understanding of your organization and your industry deepens. You’ll start to notice patterns and trends that you might have missed before. And before you know it, you’ll be the go-to person for insights and ideas.
