The most discernible difference between strategic thinkers and non strategic thinkers is their understanding of ‘why’ they are doing what they are doing.
This sounds so simple, too simple even but achieving it is far from it.
Expressing your strategy in simple terms so that teams can mobilise around a clear direction.
Before this, the work must be done to wait and think and uncover and dig and analyse and rethink and then… Your why?
Who, what, when, where and WHY?
Whether you choose to be strategic or not, “why” is the first “w” to concern yourself with and arguably it’s the most important one of all.
It’s a continuous choice and one you have to commit to. Rest assured it is not the easy road, but the clarity of thinking it brings is one of your strongest competitive weapons.
With the why comes the why not? Now you know what’s off the table it’s easier to resist the desire to be rattled by competition or follow trends that might achieve less sustainable growth.
Bring ‘why’ into the boardroom and create space and time for teams to help you get there and expect murkiness on route to clarity. it means you are going places others won’t and that’s where you want to be.
If you can’t get to your ‘why’ you need to understand that too and fast!
