Helen and Sarah discuss the importance of strategic thinking and how to develop the skill. They introduce the Agility Times Consistency Matrix and offer insights on improving agility and consistency. They explore making processes enjoyable and supportive, and introduce strategic frameworks for career development. They emphasize the importance of gathering data and making informed decisions.
Strategic thinking is a skill that everyone can develop and apply regularly in their day-to-day work, not just limited to senior positions.
The best strategic thinkers possess a balance of agility and consistency, leveraging adaptability and learning from others while also delivering consistently and being present when needed.
Deep dives
Myths about strategic thinking
Strategic thinking is not only for senior people; it is a skill that everyone can develop. It is not separate from day-to-day work and can be used regularly. Strategic thinking is not only about thinking, but also about executing ideas and plans.
Balancing agility and consistency
To be strategic, one needs to balance agility and consistency. Agility allows for adaptability, learning from others, and embracing change. Consistency involves delivering consistently, talking about strategy consistently, and being there when needed. The best strategic thinkers bring both agility and consistency together.
Exploring biases and improving strategic thinking
Understanding biases that hinder strategic thinking is crucial. Identifying and addressing biases, such as a preference for new things or a resistance to change, can enhance strategic thinking. Additionally, questioning and learning from the career progression of admired individuals can provide valuable insights for personal development.
Using frameworks and asking strategic questions
Frameworks such as SWOT analysis and horizon scanning can aid in strategic thinking. SWOT analysis helps assess strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Horizon scanning helps identify value and time frames of potential strategies. Asking questions about understanding one's organization, admiring competitors, and predicting trends can further stimulate strategic thinking.
This week, Helen and Sarah are talking about strategic thinking - what it means, why it matters and how you can develop the skill at work. They discuss some useful strategic questions that you can apply to your career and some tried and tested frameworks that can help you zoom out and structure your thinking.