Getting out of the Weeds into Strategic Thinking

In today’s fast-paced, always-on work culture, leaders often find themselves consumed by operational demands, exciting things like emails, meetings, staff check ins, and the mountain of prepping and paperwork. But to lead well we need to redefine what we mean by our day to day priorities, and we need to manage our time.  As a leader you need to be a step ahead, thinking of the future, whether that comes naturally to you are not. 

Strategic thinking enables you to:

• Anticipate change and position you organisation for long-term success.
• Align teams around a shared vision.
• Innovate rather than merely optimise.
• Feel personally motivated and in control
• Recognise the value of delegation, which in turn supports the development of others

The National Audit Office (NAO) highlights that while operational delivery is essential, senior leaders must adopt a “whole-system” approach that aligns policy, funding, and governance with long-term outcomes. I agree wholeheartedly with them!

This isn’t just about blocking out time in your calendar., calling it focus time and then using that time to allow another meeting before the week is out.  

It’s about creating mental and organisational space for strategic reflection. Here’s how:

Empower your team to own operational responsibilities. This builds capability and frees you to focus on the bigger picture.

Step back and ask: “What can I do as a leader that no one else can?” . Ask  yourself "!what should I start doing, stop doing and continue to do". Weekly reflection sessions, quarterly off-sites, or even walking meetings can foster strategic clarity.

Encourage your team to think strategically too. When everyone is aligned on long-term goals, operational decisions naturally support strategic intent. It then becomes the norm to have time blocked out for thinking - time where you are not disturbed.

Tools like SWOT, PESTLE, or scenario planning aren’t just for consultants. Use them regularly to challenge assumptions and explore new directions. Do it alone and with your team. This will create a culture of strategic thinking.

I would say this as a Leadership Coach but honestly getting a coach could be the single most important thing you do to unlock your thinking.  With a Coach you talk things through, business and personal, freeing up time outside coaching sessions and not being consumed with things on your mind that you have not been able to share with anyone.  Lots of my clients say to me " You are the only person I can speak to about this, I haven't told anyone, not even my partner about how I feeling about my role and life"

Strategic thinking isn’t a task it’s a mindset. Leaders who prioritise it not only future-proof their organisations but also inspire those around them to think bigger and bolder.

Get in touch if you want to know more about developing a strategic thinking mindset