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The strategic Dilemma

Why Strategic Thinking is Often Neglected – and How You Can Actively Foster It. 

Nearly every leader and entrepreneur wants to dedicate more time to strategic thinking. Yet, despite this awareness and intention, strategic work frequently falls by the wayside. Two insightful studies illustrate this dilemma. 

A 2013 survey by the Management Research Group (MRG) found that 97% of 10,000 leaders considered strategic leadership behavior essential to their organization’s success. Yet, the Strategic Thinking Institute’s *Strategic Thinking Manifesto* reveals that 96% of respondents reported lacking the time needed for strategic thought. 

 

What drives this glaring discrepancy between ambition and reality? 

  1. Strategic work often doesn’t feel productive enough. After a day spent on strategic considerations, one often hears, “I hardly accomplished anything today.”
  2. Lack of immediate recognition. The value of strategic work often only becomes apparent years later, making it less attractive in the daily hustle and bustle.
  3. Creativity needs space. Strategic considerations are rarely developed amid a flood of emails and phone calls. Office environments often stifle the creativity necessary for strategic thinking.
  4. The “Busy” Syndrome. Many leaders are caught in a cycle of busyness. The thought of “no time for strategic work” becomes an excuse for the lack of reflection. Studies, such as those by Columbia Business School, show that leaders often hesitate to carve out time for strategic work, fearing it may signal they’re not fully occupied. 

 

The MRG study underscores just how essential strategic thinking is for successful leadership: 

  • It was rated as ten times more important than other leadership behaviors.
  • Strategic thinking is twice as significant as communication and nearly 50 times more important than tactical behavior.
  • Outstanding leaders distinguish themselves through foresight, systemic thinking, and a long-term perspective. They consider how their decisions impact various company areas, keeping in mind both internal departments and external partners and customers. 

 

Embedding Strategic Thinking into Leadership Practices 

 

Despite significant internal and external pressures, there are ways to create space for strategic considerations: 

  1. Strategic thinking doesn’t always require a lot of time. It’s not about lengthy sabbaticals or week-long strategy retreats. Regular, short thinking breaks are often enough.
  2. Location makes a difference. The usual office setting is often filled with distractions. External, quiet spaces can help clear the mind.
  3. Recognize strategy as value creation. Block time in the calendar for strategic work, valuing it as a crucial contribution to organizational success.
  4. Overcoming the “Busy” mentality. Busyness is not an indicator of productivity. Strategic thinking should be prioritized and allocated adequate time. 

 

Approaches to Foster Strategic Thinking 

 

Developing strategic skills requires more than just techniques. Here are some methods that can help: 

  • Establish regular times for strategic planning. This should become a core part of leadership routines.
  • Provide relevant information. Leaders need insights into market trends, customer needs, and the competitive landscape to broaden their horizons.
  • Promote transparent communication. Cross-functional teams can work together on strategic issues and share these insights throughout the organization.
  • Express appreciation for strategic thinking. Strategic achievements should be recognized and rewarded.
  • Establish mentoring programs. An experienced mentor can help sharpen strategic thinking and guide further development.
  • Communicate a clear company strategy. When everyone knows the direction, they can align their activities accordingly. 

 

Strategic thinking cannot be done on the side. Yet, the long-term value it creates is invaluable for any organization. 

 

Sources: 

https://hbr.org/2018/06/if-strategy-is-so-important-why-dont-we-make-time-for-it 

https://hbr.org/2016/10/make-strategic-thinking-part-of-your-job 

https://hbr.org/2016/12/research-why-americans-are-so-impressed-by-busyness 

https://hbr.org/2014/02/develop-strategic-thinkers-throughout-your-organization 

https://www.strategyskills.com/pdf/The-Strategic-Thinking-Manifesto.pdf 

Posted by Titus Lindl