Gina London: How to act more strategically and still maintain positive relationships

I don’t remember the boss giving me any constructive definition for what exactly that meant.

I mean, of course I agreed – in concept. Who doesn’t want to think more strategically?

If there is a more effective way for us to approach work and relationships with colleagues and other stakeholders to obtain more successful outcomes, I’m all for it.

But if I hadn’t been doing it up until now, the admonishment wasn’t going to make me magically discover the secret, was it?

Effective strategic thinking often requires collaboration

If you’ve ever been told this by someone, or if you’re a leader who has told this to an employee, this article is for you.

Let’s break down what I think my boss must have meant (she never did explain it), from what I have learned through my own experiences.

Strategic thinking is about seeing the bigger picture, understanding the broader context, and making decisions that are not just about the immediate task but about long-term goals and impacts.

It involves us being proactive rather than reactive, anticipating challenges and opportunities, and sequencing our actions with identified objectives.

Here are my top tips to help you develop your critical thinking and strategy skills, to drive results while still nurturing those positive business relationships.

Understand your industry and market trends

To think strategically internally, you also need an understanding of the overall industry and some market trends. This requires you do a little research – or ask your marketing department – but you should understand what your competitors are doing.

For instance, suppose you’re in the tech industry. You should regularly read industry reports, attend conferences, and follow thought leaders on social media.

This knowledge allows you to anticipate changes, adapt your strategies accordingly, and maintain a competitive edge.

Imagine you are the one to suggest to your marketing manager it’s time to pivot a strategy towards platforms like TikTok or AI-driven personalisation.

Seek out internal stakeholders for buy-in

Before embarking on a project, proactively consider who else within the organisation will be interested in this. Who can give valuable insights or perspectives?

Engaging internal stakeholders early helps to build buy-in and gather diverse viewpoints, which can lead to more robust and well-rounded strategies.

It also prevents them from expressing frustration that they weren’t invited to the table and you waste valuable project time re-opening discussions to seek their input.

If you’re a middle manager planning to implement a new software tool, consult with the people who will use it before you make the decision.

Talk to IT, finance, and other end-users early on, so you can identify potential issues, gain support, and ensure smoother implementation.

Cultivate a strategic mindset in your team

Strategic thinking shouldn’t be confined to the leadership team. Junior employees should be shown how to adopt a strategic mindset as well.

This can be done through regular training sessions, workshops, and fostering an environment where strategic ideas are ­valued.

By empowering your team to think strategically, you create a culture of forward-thinking.

Team leaders can hold regular brainstorming sessions where team members are encouraged to share insights from their interactions with customers.

Remind your juniors when they are exhibiting strategic proactive thinking to reinforce the behaviours.

Build strong relationships across departments

Effective strategic thinking often requires collaboration and communication across different departments.

And if you want more cohesion and effectiveness, it’s critical to know them before you need them.

Your manufacturing manager can improve outcomes by regularly meeting with colleagues from sales, production, and logistics. This holistic view helps anticipate bottlenecks and streamline processes, ensuring timely and cost-effective project completion.

Scenario planning and risk management

Strategic thinkers imagine potential challenges and develop contingency plans.

By considering various scenarios, you can prepare for uncertainties and minimise the impact of unforeseen events for your project, your team or your business.

Thinking strategically is not an innate talent, but a skill that can be developed with practice.

So next time someone tells you to “think more strategically”, hopefully now you’ll have a clearer idea of what that means and how to go about it.

Remember, strategic thinking is a journey, not a destination. It requires continuous learning, adaptation, and a willingness to look beyond the immediate task to see the broader picture.

Embrace this mindset, and you’ll find yourself not just achieving your goals but excelling in your professional relationships and overall business success.

By understanding your industry, seeking out internal stakeholders, leveraging data (with help, if needed), cultivating a strategic mindset within your team, building cross-departmental relationships, and engaging in scenario planning, you will enhance your strategic thinking abilities.

Dip your toe in these waters. It’s easier to swim when you have some instructions.

You can write to Gina in care of SundayBusiness@independent.ie