Embrace the Strategic Thinking Mindset

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The majority of our lives are spent being told what to do. Be it our personal choices or careers, being told to do things halts our chances of reaching our full potential. To tackle this mindset, we must adopt and learn the art of Strategic thinking.

First of all, it's important to be clear it's not a one-time activity where you create a strategy and follow it forever. Because conditions change, your strategy needs to change with it; and that needs strategic thinking. Re-evaluating new information and adapting accordingly needs to become a way of life. 

Once we decide to step onto the track of being strategic, we must learn to revisit our strategy, revise and implement. There is no such thing as the “one and only” strategy. As circumstances change, so should our strategies. This is what differentiates a successful person from others. A successful individual is not afraid of change.

What does it mean to have a strategic mindset?

Strategic mindset is a way of thinking. It is an intentional thought process that involves analyzing all factors and variables that will affect long-term success rather than rapid decision making. It involves having the ability to anticipate what might happen, for example preparing a SWOT analysis. 

Why is Strategic Thinking Important?

The world we live in today continues to become more competitive each day. At a professional level, being strategic allows us the ability to anticipate and forecast trends. This will ensure a competitive edge for the organization driving it ahead of its competitors. In addition, it will also cultivate success for the individual as they can plan their tasks, and by analyzing and predicting, become an asset to the organization.

Here are three (3) quick ways to differentiate yourself from others strategically:

1. Step back: Project Management professionals are trained to think fast and take rapid action.  While being quick to react is a great skill in most situations, sometimes it might be best to step back. By stepping back from a situation, we allow creativity and alternative solutions to cultivate, creating a long lasting impact. It allows you to see the world from a different perspective which is free of assumptions and brings a new strategic frame in place. As David Barrett explained at the February Chapter Meeting, we must have the courage to think from a different view point. It allows you to take your career and responsibilities into your own hands rather than allowing someone else to have the power to make decisions for you. 

2. Always be willing to learn and be informed: When we aren’t aware of things that control us, we tend to make uninformed decisions. Strategic leaders have the ability to always be informed of what is happening and will verify from reliable sources to plan what to do and what to avoid. They understand the significance of aligning their own strategic thinking to the strategic priorities of the organization. 

3. Networking: Strategic thinking teaches people to work cohesively with not only their teams but others as well. It means connecting with all the subdivisions and collaborating. This is also the approach we must take personally as well. Networking is one of the keys to success in today’s world. By consulting with others, we not only learn from other’s successes but also avoid the mistakes that they have made. It is a win-win situation.

As with any skill, learning strategic thinking will take time and the more you utilize it, the better you will get. There is no denying though that the time and effort is worth it; it will differentiate you from those that don’t utilize this skill, in a professional and personal aspect.

RESOURCE

Check out David Barrett’s website, Project Bites for a collection of audios and videos, 20 minutes each only, focusing on topics in project management. You have the option to submit your own bites to the website as well. 

UP NEXT

Join us for our next Chapter Meeting on Thursday, March 18, 2021 where Pauline Johnson will share tips and tricks on delivering project updates that sponsors love.

For comments or inquiries, do not hesitate to reach me at [email protected].

—Ammara Mahmood, MBA

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