Many companies do not realize the importance of strategic planning, let alone having a leader who is well versed in practicing strategic leadership. You may be wondering what I mean by those two statements so let’s look into the concept of strategy and strategic leadership.
Strategy is a carefully devised plan of action to achieve a goal. Practicing the art of developing or carrying out such a plan is described as Strategic Leadership. The ability to think, act, and influence in ways that promote the sustainable competitive advantage of the organization are instrumental in the success of any company. Establishing the organizational structure, making judicious use of power and communicating the vision of their company are high on the list of attributes for strategic leaders.
Establish Organizational Structure
The strategic leader must have the ability to see the organization path and where it leads the company. They must also be focused and have the commitment to take their company to the highest level of success possible. All of these skills are inter-dependent and vital. A strategic leader cannot succeed unless they are well balanced in all three of these arenas. Communication skills cannot be underestimated or the leader cannot share a vision with the team. A good strategic leader must able to negotiate and provide conflict management as well. A successful strategic leader will have to motivate and carry their team along towards their vision.
Judicious Use of Power
Strategic leaders make very wise use of their power. They must play the power game skillfully and try to develop consent for their ideas rather than forcing their ideas upon others. They must push their ideas gradually. In addition, the effective strategic leader must lead, guide, and influence the skills of team members. The objectives of strategic leadership are strategic productivity, to develop an environment in which employees forecast the organization’s needs, and to encourage the employees in an organization to follow their own ideas. Strategic leaders determine the appropriate use of reward and incentive systems for encouraging productive and quality employees. The best strategic leaders practice inventiveness, perception, and planning to assist all individuals in their organization to realize objectives and goals.
Determining Your Strategic Vision
To be a strategic-leader, corporate priorities and the ability to envisage the future of the company must be paramount in your mind. Strategic leaders work in ambiguous environments on very difficult issues. This requires objectivity and the potential to look at the broader picture. They need to determine a direction for the growth of the organization and what part they will play in that plan. Ascertaining how to influence the growth of their own organization will help them write their own future. Strategic leaders are consistent and determined to make a difference. They convey their vision until it is an accepted component of organizational culture.
What are the tools you have used to enhance your strategic leadership abilities? I would love to hear from you!
Here are links to more information related to this topic:
Strategic Leadership 101 - EmergingLeader.com
Strategic Leadership - Inc.com
Learn Strategic Thinking - Harvard ManageMentor
