How To Become A Strategic Leader?
Strategic leadership is fundamental to the success of any non-profit
Strategic leadership is fundamental to the success of any non-profit. This is because strategic leaders identify opportunities and create long-term plans and strategies tailored to the specific needs of their organizations.
But what is strategic leadership, and how can you become a strategic leader?
What is strategic leadership?
Strategic leadership is about the leader’s ability to
- plan and strategize for the future.
- adapt and react effectively to changing circumstances.
- minimize negative impact.
- take advantage of unforeseen opportunities.
How do these abilities contribute to the organization’s success?
Reading the above bullet points, it may seem clear why strategic leadership is vital for organizational success. Yet, it is important to break these down to support you in incorporating strategic leadership into your leadership practice.
Planning and Strategizing for the Future
Strategic leaders act with a clear end goal and a defined strategy. What’s more is that the end goal is always aligned with the organization’s vision, and the strategies are designed to get the organization closer to achieving its vision.
In other words, strategic leaders always have a strategic plan they refer to and rely on to align the organization around the shared goals.
Adapting and Reacting Effectively to Changing Circumstances
Strategic leadership is about agility and flexibility. This agility and flexibility come from taking the time to analyze the changing environment, anticipating what may come, and consequently having alternate plans of action in place. This foresight and planning are what lead to minimizing any negative impact on the organization and being prepared to take advantage of opportunities that present themselves.
What Are the Skills of Strategic Leaders?
Strategic leadership is the outcome of employing the following skills consistently.
Practice Curiosity. Learn Continuously
Strategic leaders practice curiosity and continuously learn and grow. This quality means they are aware of the organization’s capacities, understand the environment their organization operates in, and are aware of the trends that could impact their operations.
Seek Solutions. Take Ownership
Strategic leaders are solution focused and take ownership of problems. In other words, even when the challenge is brought on by external factors and is outside of their sphere of influence, they take action and use all available opportunities to solve the problem.
Maintain Flexibility without Compromising Values
Strategic leadership requires adaptability and flexibility. However, strategic leaders are very clear about the organization’s values. This clarity enables them to respond appropriately without compromising the integrity of services.
Clarify Vision and Mission
Strategic leaders clarify and communicate the organization’s vision. They also ensure that the mission is in service to the vision and is aligned with organizational values.
Become A Strategic Thinker
And last but not least, strategic leaders are strategic thinkers. Strategic thinkers engage in systems and critical thinking and apply their learning strategically.
These leaders do not think in silos. Instead, they reflect, see wholes, and relationships, and analyze facts, observations, and differing arguments before forming a judgment.
This strategic thinking ability is the quality that enables them to solve complex problems effectively yet efficiently, identify opportunities to stay ahead of trends, anticipate potential risks, and respond appropriately.
