The saying “can’t see the forest for the trees” is a great description for when managers focus so much on the day-to-day details that they neglect to see the big picture. Managers also may become focused on the first solution to a challenge i.e.: the tree in front of them, they don’t expand their thinking to consider other solutions i.e.: the rest of the trees in the forest. It takes Strategic Thinking to expand their point of view and see how your organization fits in the overall competitive marketplace.
How do you encourage Strategic Thinking in your organization? By exposing your managers to strategic information during regularly scheduled meetings, written communication, problem solving sessions, and one-on-one discussions. Here are a few ideas to help your management team make the connection:
- Connect to Organizational Strategy: It is critical for managers to be able to see the connection between what they are doing in their own department/function with the overall business strategy.
- Connect to Customers: Take time to consider the needs of their customers, the benefits the organization offers customers and the reason customers buy your products or services.
- Connect to the Competition: Examine what competitors provide and pinpoint your organization’s competitive advantage
- Connect to the External Environment: Conduct an external environmental scan to gather intelligence, interpret data and make connections to help them anticipate the conditions impacting their industry.
- Make the Connection: Complete a SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat) assessment based on the information discussed in the environment scan, customer examination, and competitive analysis.
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“If a window of opportunity appears, don’t pull down the shade.” |
By exposing your management team to Strategic Thinking, you will be enlarging their field of vision to include more strategic idea. They will no longer just focus on what they are doing, but also why they are doing things, and how it matters. Management Skills Resource, Inc. is pleased to offer a new leadership series including a Strategic Thinking course. To discuss your training plans, contact us at info@ManagementSkillsInc.com or call 972 881-5282.