How To Speak And Be Seen As A Strategic Leader

In this month's issue, we will explore recognizing and communicating your impact in a way that ties your contributions to the broader vision and goals of your organization. Being recognized for your contributions doesn’t mean doing more. It’s about making the strategic value of your contributions known (visible) so you are seen as a strategic leader.

An AHA?Story

I’ll start with a story about my amazing client, Anne (changed for privacy), who is a mid-career leader and exceptional at getting things done. She said:

“I never thought of it (my work) that way. I didn't put any thought into the impact. Deliver results and move on to the next project.”

Can you relate to Anne’s sentiment? I believe you can—especially if you believe(d) that work speaks for itself.

Anne’s AHA moment emerged during a guided exploration into the project's deeper value to the organization. Initially, it seemed merely about correcting client account identifiers.

Value to the Organization

Taking a closer look, the project paved the way for further sales growth and robust risk management. The implementation would lead to enhanced revenue and minimized financial loss.

There are three main pillars that organizations center their strategy around:

• Revenue growth – increasing customer acquisition/retention, upsells, market expansion
• Cost reduction – reducing expenses; minimizing financial loss
• Operational efficiency – leveraging technology, processes, and people to do more with less while still delivering an exceptional customer experience

Value to You

Anne’s story illustrates the strategic value of her project to the organization.?

Let’s turn to you. Pursue and prioritize initiatives that set you and the organization up for mutual success.

Why is it critical to view your work or potential opportunities strategically?

1. If you don't recognize your contributions' strategic significance, you can't convey the value to others or expect others to see it.
2. Managers and higher must clearly articulate their business impact to make their contributions visible to senior leaders and their network.
3. Intentionally advancing your career hinges on selecting strategic initiatives that highlight your talent and align with your career and leadership goals.

Assessing Your Current Role

Like Anne, you are known for getting things done, a “doer”, a reliable executor who delivers results no matter what you’re up against. This reputation has earned you respect and confidence from your peers and leaders, which you appreciate. But…

Within you is a drive for something more meaningful. You aspire to sit in rooms and contribute ideas and perspectives influencing the organization’s strategic direction and affecting change. You see yourself earning recognition across the organization and industry.? Let me ask you this.

How often do you pause to consider the broader impact of your work beyond the stated deliverable so you can tie it back to team and?company-wide strategic outcomes?

It’s time to raise your strategic leadership presence.

Strategic Value Defined

Let’s uncover and articulate the strategic value of your contributions—changing the narrative from diligent executor to recognized strategic leader.

Strategic value means aligning your unique talents and expertise with the organization's most critical goals. It’s about transforming your brand from a dependable executor to a forward-thinking leader whose contributions are invaluable to the organization's success.

Recognizing Strategic Value

To discover the strategic value in your work, consider a project you've recently completed. Delve into its impact:

1. What was the goal of the project or initiative? (Basic understanding)
2. Why was it important? (Deeper understanding)
3. Who is the goal important to? (Impact to multiple business lines/leaders)
4. What impact was created and aligned with top priorities of the organization? (Strategic alignment)
5. What business outcomes were achieved? (quantifiable revenue generation, cost reduction, operational efficiency)

For Anne, a project aimed at improving data accuracy enhanced sales growth strategies and risk management practices which aligned with her company’s strategic priorities. Recognizing that value enables her to convey the impact of her leadership at a higher level.

Conveying Strategic Value

How you articulate the strategic value of your work is crucial in elevating your career and leadership. Transform how you speak about your work. Instead of listing tasks, focus on your unique contributions to the organization's strategic goals. Shift from task-based descriptions to the strategic impact of your work. Instead of "I completed X project," consider:

• "I led a project that transformed Y, driving us closer to our strategic goal of Z."
• "Leading a project that enhanced our data accuracy to improve operations also positioned the company to capitalize on new market opportunities."

Honing Your Strategic Voice

Every interaction is a chance to highlight your strategic value. In daily conversations, team meetings, or formal presentations, share how your work contributes to the broader strategic objectives, positioning yourself as a forward-thinking leader.

Routine interactions are a perfect opportunity for you to develop your communication and express your excitement about the outcomes and insights that come from your work.

Example:

• "I feel good about the project I led that refined our operational efficiency and aligned our processes with the company's long-term growth objectives, contributing to a 20% increase in productivity."
• “I’m excited. I just pitched a game-changing product idea to senior leaders that will generate $500,000 in revenue over the next 12 months. They loved it.”

One of my favorite thought leaders is Carla Harris. I’ve learned that how you talk about yourself and your work shapes how others think and speak of you when you’re not in the room.

Your Strategic Leadership Journey

We have explored how to recognize, convey, and embrace the strategic value of your work. As you reflect on your career, consider the strategic value you bring to your organization.

Are you ready to elevate your career by showcasing this value?

Embrace Your Strategic Leadership Potential

As we navigate this "Getting Visible" journey together, it's clear that making your strategic contributions known is pivotal for career advancement. Armed with these insights and steps, you’re on the path to greater visibility and influential strategic leadership.

You’re The First To Be?Invited

Thank you for reading until the end. You're ready to reclaim the power in your unique voice, value, and visibility?to accelerate your journey into strategic leadership and career advancement.?

Good news!?

The waitlist for the?next?Standout Career Accelerator group coaching experience is now open.

Take another step closer to the career you envision. Waitlist membership has early-bird privileges. Join the waitlist now. Click >>>?here.

Rooting for you,

Valissa

www.standoutcareer.com