I encourage my team to start each week with a brief planning session where we align our immediate tasks with our long-term goals. This helps everyone see the connection between their daily work and our broader objectives. I also introduce mini-milestones that act as checkpoints to ensure we are on track towards these goals. To foster a strategic mindset, I organize monthly reflective meetings where we discuss what strategies are working and what adjustments are needed, keeping our approach dynamic and responsive.

When my team struggles to balance daily tasks with long-term goals, I always try to integrate strategic thinking - Identify and Prioritise what’s truly important and connect daily work to the bigger picture, so everyone understands the WHY behind their efforts. Set aside regular time for strategic planning to review progress and align on key objectives. Break long-term goals into clear, actionable steps with ownership and deadlines to keep momentum. Encourage the team to think critically and proactively suggest improvements, fostering a strategic mindset. Use metrics to track progress and stay aligned. Most importantly, lead by example—balancing execution with a focus on long-term impact.

This is something that can undoubtedly happen, and from my experience, I would go for embedding strategic thinking into daily workflows, turning routine tasks into stepping stones towards long-term objectives. Reframe daily activities as experiments, encouraging your team to test assumptions and gather data that inform broader strategic decisions. Introduce regular 'horizon scanning' sessions, where the team collectively explores industry trends and emerging opportunities, fostering a proactive mindset. Implement a 'strategic pause' at the end of each week, allowing the team to reflect on their progress, celebrate achievements, and adjust their course based on collective learnings.

Integrate strategic thinking by aligning daily tasks with long-term goals. Start with a clear vision — ensure everyone understands how their work contributes to the bigger picture. Implement SMART goals and use OKRs to track progress. Encourage proactive problem-solving over reactive firefighting. Regularly conduct strategy check-ins to assess alignment and pivot if needed. Leverage data-driven decision-making and foster a culture of innovation — small, strategic shifts lead to big wins. Empower your team with autonomy and accountability while providing guidance. Lastly, eliminate unnecessary tasks — time is a finite resource, use it wisely! As Peter Drucker said, “Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things.”