It can be easy to fall into a head-down, get-it-done zone at work. When you're pressed for time and your plate is full, it can be difficult to see the big picture – to think strategically. In fact, you’re more likely to get bogged down with details – preoccupied with minutiae, and, quite frankly, you can become stale.
In my experience, many #leaders want to be recognized as expansive thinkers (expansiveness is a topic that I cover in my LEAD ADVANCED program), but they aren't sure how to make the shift from day-to-day execution to strategic dreamer.
They know expansiveness is a vital ingredient when it comes to being recognized as a strategic leader. They know it’s about thinking big – seeing possibilities beyond the regular, day-to-day tasks. They know they need to be bold or they will risk appearing bland.
Sure working with your head down will get the job done, but will it get you noticed as a key player who contributes to the overall success of the organization? Will it help you move your organization closer to achieving its vision? Probably not.
The truth is, it's easy to stagnate when you bury yourself in the minute details. In order to be strategic, you need to view your organization with an open mind, on an expansive level – from the mountain top, surveying every aspect of the landscape.
How do you make the shift from stale to strategic?
I’ve created a checklist for you: 5 Steps To Shift From Stale To Strategic Leadership to help you raise your head up from your desk and see the opportunities and possibilities for you and your organization. This checklist outlines 5 steps and coaching questions that will help you become a more strategic leader.
Keep my checklist on-hand for those days when you feel like you need a little push in the right direction.
And there it is. Thinking strategically and being proactive will not only maintain your job satisfaction, but it will open new doors. Stepping outside the box, and putting new ideas on the table will catch the attention of higher-ups, motivate and inspire your peers, and uplift you both personally and professionally.
When it comes to being a leader, remember this: Don't be bland, be bold.
Grab your Stale to Strategic checklist from the Coaching For Female Leaders App.