What’s next? It’s tough to think about it when you’re focused on what’s needed now.
Customers call. You’re there.
Discover a problem. You fix it.
Deadline. You meet it.
New business opportunity. You chase it.
Often business owners talk about how busy they are, yet they’re frustrated because they’re not accomplishing what they really want. They feel stalled. Their engine is running in high gear, but they’re not moving forward. This happens when they’ve lost sight of their business strategy — the bigger picture that should be guiding their actions.
Effective business owners know that to be most successful they must constantly strike a balance between strategic and tactical thinking. Tactical action might get you through the day, but strategic action will position your company to thrive well into the future.
Here are three important keys, along with specific actions you can take, to help your thinking pendulum swing over to the strategic side more frequently.
1) Discipline – Set a date on your calendar to “force” yourself to focus on strategy by setting aside time during the year to set new goals and refresh their vision. Do this periodically throughout the year. As a start, determine what you really want out of the business. Write it down.
2) Clarity – The more clear you are on what you want to accomplish and why, the easier it becomes to prioritize. You will act with greater intention, instead of reacting to whatever lands in your lap. Can you express your top three strategic objectives? When you can, help your team gain the same level of clarity.
3) Execution – Do what needs to be done. It’s not enough to set aside time to focus on strategy if you can’t act on it. Identify just one way you can execute more effectively (e.g., chart progress; increase leadership capability; remove impediments; gain commitment). If you can’t execute, something needs to change.
While the thought of spending time on strategy may sound laborious, rethinking your strategy can actually be an ideal way to gain new energy for yourself, your team and your company.
Author: Gayle Lantz is a leadership consultant, author, speaker and founder of WorkMatters, Inc., (www.WorkMatters.com) a consulting firm dedicated to helping leaders think and work smarter. Learn more at our Contributors tab.
