How do you demonstrate strategic leadership?

??In my experience, defining your purpose requires deep introspection and strategic foresight. ??Vision Clarity Articulate a clear and vivid vision that aligns with both personal beliefs and organizational values. ??Values Alignment Ensure your goals resonate with the core values of the organization, fostering a strong cultural fit. ??Stakeholder Benefit Clearly demonstrate how your vision and actions benefit not just the organization, but also its stakeholders. ??Conclusively, a well-defined purpose acts as a north star, guiding strategic decisions and inspiring collective action.

An example of what I would always advocate for is first know what strategic position you have as a leader and how this relates to the highest strategic goals of the business. This gives you a foundation to work from. Second good step is to investigate context, how does your team, division or business unit relate to the rest of the organisation in terms of governance, key processes and value chains. What inputs do you have to use in achieving your key outputs and value. Where do these outputs reintegrate with the rest of the organisation inputs. Last but in no way least, create value flow through your area of influence, collaborate up and down value chains and keep aligning to strategic business goals. Check & continuously improve

Being your authentic self when you communicate matters. Every other thing revolves around this, because authenticity is transparent. It finds outlets through your passion, consistency, and persuasiveness. It projects originality and strong purpose. It is who who you are and people get to see it!

When trying to help your team understand a vision and the path to implementation, its important to level set around expectations and to encourage team members to step out of their comfort zone. Innovation often lives on the other side of the limitations we place on ourselves, so it is important to support team members as they take risks and push themselves in different ways, and show appreciation for their willingness to do so. Operating with the understanding that mistakes will be made and that failure is a part of transformation will relieve pressures from staff, and enable them to operate with more of an open mind and less from a place of fear.

Beyond empowering your team, it is essential to acknowledge their individualities, personal skills, and strengths. By understanding what they specifically bring to the table and how it fits into the bigger picture, you give them a sense of purpose. Another important aspect is to clarify that you are the keeper of their well-being, a rampart between obstacles or blockers, and their capacity to do their work in the best possible environment.

The best strategic leaders thrive on change. Those that can leverage optimism coupled with a realistic view on the challenges ahead will create the conditions for success — where change is exciting and actionable, not a black box of unanswered questions.

As a strategic leader, it's crucial to prioritize personal and professional development. This means acknowledging that growth is ongoing and not a one-time achievement. To make informed decisions that propel your organization forward, it's essential to stay curious and eager to learn, always seeking opportunities to broaden your expertise and perspectives. Keep up with industry trends and best practices to stay ahead of the game.

Aligning with stakeholders is paramount for strategic leadership. Recognizing their diverse interests and perspectives is the first step to building meaningful relationships. By actively engaging with stakeholders, be they customers, employees, partners, or communities, and understanding their needs, you can co-create solutions that benefit all parties involved. Transparent and open communication fosters trust, enabling collaboration and constructive feedback. Embrace the challenges of balancing conflicting interests, finding common ground, and making well-informed decisions.

The importance of aligning with stakeholders in strategic leadership cannot be overstated. In any organization or project, stakeholders hold significant influence and have a vested interest in its success. By actively involving them in the strategic decision-making process, leaders can gain valuable insights, identify potential risks, and garner support for their initiatives. Stakeholder alignment fosters a shared sense of purpose, leading to increased commitment and dedication among team members and external partners. Moreover, it helps build trust and credibility, enabling leaders to navigate challenges more effectively and adapt strategies to changing circumstances. Stakeholder alignment is, therefore, crucial for strategic leadership.

I always quote Wayne Gretzky in discussions about leadership and foresight who once said: "A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be."

All these attributes create the hope of a better future, but to get people to move you also have to "set fire to the present". The most difficult force to overcome is inertia, the energy it takes to change direction. Give people a place to go, but give them a reason to leave as well.