Three ways to make more time for strategic thinking

One of the things I’m hearing a lot from leaders is how much things have changed. We’re never going back to pre-pandemic ‘normal’. We’re in brave new territory.?

It’s intimidating.?

And exhilarating!?

So much opportunity! (Along with all that threat).?

Most of the same leaders also acknowledge, somewhat sheepishly, they don’t do enough strategic thinking.

In a?Harvard Business Review article , Michael Mankins said, “80% of top management’s time is devoted to issues that account for less than 20% of a company’s long-term value."

Here’s how to create more time for strategic thinking:?

1. Delegate more

This old chestnut is one that many leaders, experienced and new, still struggle with. It’s about control, it’s about trust. Mostly it’s about not having the right mindset. Delegation is the act of building capability in others. It’s a coaching process before it’s a get-it-off-my-plate experience. Don’t deny others’ development by holding on to things they could benefit from learning.?

2. Change scenery

Booking time out of the office in a new location is helpful for three reasons:?

• It interrupts your default patterns of work that have worn strong grooves in your work habits.?
• It provides fresh input to your brain. Strategic thinking is as much about connecting the dots as it is about creating something new.?
• You’ll feel compelled to be productive and use your time wisely because you are away from your desk.?

3. Build capability

Many leaders mistakenly feel that the vision belongs with the CEO. Therefore all the strategic thinking should sit with them too. Not so!?The world is far too complex for strategy to rest with just one person. Who needs that kind of pressure??

Build strategic thinking capability in your team members and you can leverage collective insights for better decisions. Your team meetings can move beyond business as usual and operational concerns to true strategic foresight.

Want to go deeper on this topic??

Join us for a?complimentary webinar ?May 4th, or?in person in Canberra ?May 5th?.