What do you do if you want to cultivate a strategic mindset in problem-solving careers?

To create a strategic mindset in problem-solving careers: continuously learn and stay updated; develop strong analytical skills; focus on long-term goals; collaborate cross-functionally; ask critical questions; engage in scenario planning; encourage innovation; use decision-making frameworks; and regularly seek feedback and reflect on past decisions. These practices enhance strategic thinking and effectiveness in solving complex problems.

There's a saying in Hausa translated as "The person who always asks questions never misses his/her way". Don't be shy to ask questions and never allow yourself believe the lie that you know everything because that's a failure trap; don't fall for it. You know battles are first won or lost in the mind therefore you need to cultivate the habit (it doesn't happen over night) of asking questions because it's the fuel for innovation and problem solving.

Brainstorming feeds off other good ideas to create meaningful suggestions or solutions. It is also a process to weed out unrealistic ideas.

In my experience strategies birth out of either higher goal expectations or need to resolve a problem at hand. In both scenarios one must first embrace curiosity to know each lap of the issue so that a definitive and responsive strategy can come in action

Free Yourself from Execution. Ruthlessly Prioritize. Look for Solutions, Not Problems. Ask Yourself Bigger, Better Questions. Listen to and Recruit Others' Perspective. Be Willing to Take Risks.

Embrace change and innovation. ???? Learning isn't just a phase; it's the new career standard. It's the strategic advantage in today's dynamic world. Cultivating a strategic mindset begins with embracing a learning-first approach. Stay curious. Information is everywhere. Be passionate and seek diverse perspectives, and always stay ahead of industry trends. By anticipating challenges and proactively addressing them, you'll not only learn continuously but also thrive in any professional landscape!

Always start with the 5 Ws - 1. What 2. Why 3. When 4. Where 5. for Who Once you have this understanding - you can proceed to thinking about HOW you can go about solving the problem.

One key way to help you think ahead is to practice scenario planning. This means envisioning different future scenarios and developing strategies for each. This helps you prepare for various possibilities.

Successfully navigating a problem-solving career requires a delicate balance between immediate tasks and future objectives. By aligning your actions with both short-term wins and long-term visions, you ensure sustainable growth and meaningful impact. This balanced perspective empowers you to make decisions that benefit both the present and future. Strategic thinking isn't just about logic; it's also about managing stress and adapting to change. Cultivating emotional resilience helps you stay focused and make clear-headed decisions under pressure. This resilience not only enhances your problem-solving abilities but also strengthens your leadership potential and career advancement.

For mind, a strategic mindset is balancing tensions – e.g.: Strategic direction vs operational implementation, EXternal shifts vs INternal impacts, economic growth vs environmental sustainability vs social impact, Executive audiences vs Management vs Operational priorities. Effective problem-solving is therefore about navigating these tensions. This can be in the solution itself but more crucially, is how the solutions are communicated. Some guiding principles I informally draw on: - act deliberately and intentionally. - communicate broadly but in a bespoke manner. - problem-solving is only as good as the solution put forward. - stand by your strengths, if this is developing a solution or executing it. - always ask why, and often.