241: Thinking Like an Executive: Setting Priorities as an Executive
Mar 11, 2025
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Curious about how executives really allocate their time? Discover the value of strategic thinking over tactical execution. Learn how strategic pauses can empower your team to problem-solve independently. Explore the key differences between strategy and tactics, plus essential mindset shifts for effective delegation. Uncover practical steps to build trust and let go of control. Finally, master your time management with the 30-60-10 rule to focus on high-impact work and avoid burnout. A must-listen for aspiring leaders!
Strategic thinking is vital for executives, focusing on long-term goals rather than immediate tasks to drive innovation and growth.
Delegating effectively and fostering team autonomy allows executives to empower their teams and enhance problem-solving capabilities, boosting overall performance.
Deep dives
The Role of Strategic Thinking in Executive Leadership
Strategic thinking is a crucial aspect of executive leadership, requiring a focus on long-term goals over immediate tasks. Effective executives must ensure their teams are aligned with the overarching strategy rather than becoming bogged down in operational issues. When executives prioritize tactical operations over strategic planning, it can lead to stagnation and prevent the business from innovating and growing. For instance, when executives are too involved in daily operations, they diminish their ability to steer the company toward its future objectives.
The Importance of the Strategic Pause
Executives should implement a 'strategic pause' to reduce reactivity and allow for deeper planning and reflection. Overwhelming distractions from constant communication tools can obscure important decision-making processes, making it essential for leaders to carve out focused time for strategy. By stepping back and limiting immediate responses, executives can encourage their teams to take ownership of problems and foster a culture of independent problem-solving. This approach not only enhances decision quality but also cultivates a more empowered and responsive workforce.
Empowering Teams for Greater Success
Empowerment within teams is essential for cultivating responsibility and innovation among team members. Leaders must refrain from micromanaging and instead provide the guidance needed for their teams to own their goals and make independent decisions. For example, if a CTO constantly reminds their team of objectives instead of fostering autonomy, it stifles the team's growth and confidence. By setting clear boundaries and encouraging ownership, executives can enhance performance and develop more competent future leaders.
Time Management: The 30-60-10 Rule
Effective time management is vital for executives to shift from tactical roles to strategic leadership. The 30-60-10 rule suggests that leaders dedicate 30% of their time to immediate tasks, 60% to strategic initiatives, and 10% to long-term vision planning. This structured approach allows executives to focus on both current needs and future challenges crucial for the organization’s success. By adopting this model, leaders can prioritize strategic thinking and cultivate a proactive business environment, ultimately leading to better outcomes for their teams and organizations.
Have you ever wondered how executives spend their time? Early in our careers, it’s easy to assume they just sit in meetings and make decisions from the sidelines. But as you move up, you quickly realize that great leadership isn’t about doing individual tasks—it’s about setting the vision, making strategic decisions, and enabling your team to execute effectively. In today’s episode, I break down what high-performing executives actually spend their time on and how you can start thinking like one—whether you're an aspiring leader or already in an executive role.
I dive into:
Why strategic thinking—not tactical execution—is the most valuable skill an executive can develop
The strategic pause and how stepping back can empower your team to solve problems independently
The key differences between strategy and tactics, with three essential questions to shift your mindset
How to empower your team by delegating effectively, setting clear boundaries, and fostering autonomy
Why many executives struggle with letting go of control, and practical steps to build trust in your team
How to audit your time using the 30%-60%-10% rule to focus more on high-impact work and avoid burnout
And more
**Useful links*
If you are ready to uplevel your career, get unstuck or you are simply ready to unlock those leadership time-management techniques then join us in my monthly career & leadership coaching program exclusively for women in tech: https://www.tonicollis.com/academy
Join the Leading Women in Tech community in Slack where we discuss all-the-things for women’s tech leadership, covering everything from early-career leadership to C-level executives.
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