Are you a strategist?
When faced with a challenge or presented with a goal, are you the task giver/taker or the strategist? Or even better, are you both?
Strategic action, as opposed to reaction, will set you apart from the rest, particularly if you are among the under 30 set.
Training your brain to think strategically requires a good deal of applicable practice. I’m sure there was someone born into this world a strategist, but I can tell you I’ve never met an individual who inherently sees the world at 30,000 feet and can articulate an action plan that leads others to that end. Those who posses that skill learned it and earned it, so find yourself a strategist and pay close attention. I’m learning more and more every day and it’s liberating.
A great strategic thinker will make you stop and ask yourself, “how does he think of that stuff?” and “how does she always remember to consider that audience?” Their secret weapon is a unique knowledge base that affords them insight into various audiences, situations, facts and possibilities – and they’ve most likely been at it for a while.
Don’t get me wrong, I love me some young, Gen-Y, driven, smart folk. BUT there is still something to be said for learning from someone in the industry whose life experience has morphed her into a business-minded, results-driven visionary. This will always be true, no matter how old you get and how much you learn. So, seek out a mentor.
Like anything that matters, the coveted skill of thinking, planning and leading strategically is crafted over time. Careful though, you don’t want to lose that attention to detail we talked about earlier. Find the balance and you’ll start turning heads, folks. Just say’n.
Do you have a strategic mentor? Do you even want one? Share your thoughts in the comments…
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Margie,
Another insightful post! I really appreciate the tips
I do not have a mentor, but I love to read blogs from the big wigs like Edelman (http://www.edelman.com/speak_up/blog/), the Ruder Finn ethics blog (http://www.ruderfinn.com/corporate-public-trust/ethics/ethics-blog/index.html), BM’s digital perspective (http://www.digitalperspectiveblog.com/), etc…
Did you have a strategic mentor?
A note: Could you possibly link to articles/blogs you’ve found helpful on the subject in your posts?
Thanks again and I hope you’re having a great start to the week!
~Cheryl
Hey Cheryl!
Thanks for the comment. I’m lucky enough to have three folks who’ve taken the time to guide and be quite candid with me over the years. Two have been strategic models and one more of a how-to-position-yourself model.
I appreciate the note on linking to other blogs and articles. I must admit that these past two blog posts have just been rattling around in my head for a few months – not inspired by anything in particular other than conversations with peers. I will give more thought to linking to relevant material though. Thanks so much for the suggestion!
Margie???s last blog post..Are you the mystery guest at the conference table? (Or: Be a contributor)
At a speechwriters conference I recently attended, one of the things that stuck with me the most was this, “Be the strategist, not the scribe.”
Basically, in addition to the notebook and pen you carry into meetings, go in armed with research, supporting material, evidence to support the topic at hand. It’s an easy way to position yourself as the resident subject matter expert … on almost any subject.
Conerific – Oooo! I like that one
Will have to use that sometime.