In this episode, hosts Gemma Bullivant and Fiona Craig delve into the fundamental concept of what it means to be strategic. They break down strategy into three key components: Future Focus, Breadth, and Purpose. Through engaging discussion and practical examples, they emphasize how anyone can become more naturally strategic by applying these principles to their daily work.
Show Highlights:
Gemma and Fiona introduce the podcast and emphasize that being strategic isn’t as complex as it seems. They aim to demystify the concept and provide practical tips for their audience.
The Three Key Elements of Being Strategic:
- Future Focus: Being strategic means having a clear line of sight on the horizon, looking beyond the immediate tasks, and thinking about future objectives and goals.
- Breadth: A strategic perspective involves considering the bigger picture, identifying stakeholders, and understanding the broader impact of decisions on the organization.
- Purpose: Being strategic requires understanding why a particular direction or decision is chosen and aligning it with the organization’s overall objectives and mission.
COACHING TOOL – The “What, So What, Now What” Framework (Rolfe et al): Gemma and Fiona discuss the importance of asking these three questions in strategic thinking.
– What: Identifying the challenge or initiative.
– So What: Understanding the significance, impact, and purpose behind the challenge.
– Now What: Formulating actionable steps based on a deeper understanding of the challenge and its purpose.
Key Takeaways
Applying the three elements of strategic thinking—Future Focus, Breadth, and Purpose— inserting strategic thinking into day-to-day tasks can lead to more effective decision-making and problem-solving. As well as the “What, So What, Now What” framework can instantly make your approach more strategic and improve the quality of your output.
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Key Timestamps
[02:38] – we discuss the idea of being naturally strategic, the need to understand what it means to be strategic, and why we are starting with exploring the concept of being strategic and how it can be achieved naturally.
[04:15] – the difference between having a future focus (eyes on the horizon) and managing what’s in front of you (eyes on the ground), and the importance of having a future-focused perspective in strategic thinking.
[07:00] – the importance of a longer time frame in strategic thinking, and the significance of considering longer time frames when developing a strategy.
[09:03] – the concept of breadth in strategy, considering a broader perspective beyond immediate tasks, and why it’s essential to look at the bigger picture and consider broader impacts in strategic thinking.
[11:01] – the importance of connecting the strategy to the organization’s overarching objectives and purpose, and goals.
[13:38] – we introduce the “what, so what, now what” reflective model for strategic thinking, and explain how the model can enhance strategic thinking by prompting important questions.
[18:29] – the value of the “so what” question in making strategic decisions, and how the “so what” question helps in thinking through implications and obstacles in strategic decision-making.
Got Questions or Comments? We love hearing from our listeners! If you have any questions about strategic thinking or want to share your experiences, email us at gemma@gemmabullivant.co.uk. We might feature your question in a future episode!
Thank you for tuning in to the first episode of The Strategic Leader podcast. If you enjoyed the show, don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful discussions and practical advice on becoming a more naturally strategic leader.
