Creates an alternative way to proceed
Faced with any given scenario, they can quickly spot the relevant pattern and issues.
What does Strategic really mean? The word Strategic is such an admirable adjective, but we are rarely on the same page with how it is used. It is almost a supernatural ability to be able to jump into the puzzle and see the patterns. It is not a skill you can learn, it is a distinct way of thinking. When we talk about Strategic we are not talking about how to create a map, how to be thoughtful about the future or how to go from A to B. We are talking about a natural, unteachable, way of thinking.
Individuals with strong Strategic talents bring creative anticipation[1], imagination and persistence to the groups and projects that they work on. They can quickly weigh alternative paths, and determine the one that will work best and most efficiently. What Strategic is about is seeing the whole board, and constantly seeing what the right move is now, and what is the next move. It is almost like building a process tree in your brain of possibilities. What Strategic is dealing in is sometimes issues that haven’t yet arisen. It isn’t the same as Arranger, which is more tactical. How do we execute given the reality? Strategic is more about the what-if. It is based more in an imaginative realm of possibilities.
It is important to consider when Strategic is in its raw form vs mature[2].
A complimentary partner for Strategic can be Strategic. When discussing ideas with another individual with Strategic you don’t always have to filter it and make it clean. Strategic is not linear[3]. It goes in a circle pulling ideas from all different points. Sorting it out with someone else with Strategic helps get a cleaner plan to express with other people. You can consider individuals with the same theme as a complimentary partner.
[1]:
Guided by where you see each path leading, you start to make selections. You discard the paths that lead nowhere. You discard the paths that lead straight into resistance. You discard the paths that lead into a fog of confusion. You cull and make selections until you arrive at the chosen path — your strategy. Armed with your strategy, you strike forward. This is your Strategic theme at work: “What if?” Select. Strike.
[2]:
Raw Strategic can become so enamored in the what-if that they can delay in taking action, whereas mature Strategic can plan in the moment. It can say here’s our move, here’s our next move.
Raw Strategic is internal, and all about instinct and being in the moment.
Mature can intentionally communicate. You can work it out in your head quickly, but replay it to yourself. You are able to chart that thought process map for other people. It is the ability to be more present with other people, rather than just planning on your own. The ability to lead other people to your plan.
[3]:
Theme Thursday Podcast brings thought leaders to deep dive on each StrengthsFinder theme.
The time invested is worth it - learn about Strategic with a leader lens.
BALCONIES
When Strategic is soaring...
Anticipates alternatives
Intuitive
Sees different paths
Individuals high with Strategic can fall into the trap of carrying the cerebral load. Because you are constantly thinking about what could happen, you can jump in and do that thinking for everybody.
It is important for leaders with high Strategic to think about how to take what you have delegated[5] and share it with other people.
The challenge of being a leader with Strategic is not just mapping out all of it on your own, but using to your advantage the fact that you think a little bit backwards. Use this to show others what success looks like.
[5]:
Sort out how to think collaboratively, as well as laying out expectations.
BASEMENTS
When Strategic is on over drive...
Jumps to quick decisions
Difficult to understand their thinking
Closed minded
A leader with Strategic...
Builds trust by knowing the details of past successes that you have planned. Strategic by itself isn’t necessarily about the future or the past, but about the plan. It’s about the possibilities, and playing out the alternatives. Really study the times your plan has worked.
Builds stability by testing out your plans with a mutual thought partner when you are unsure. Strategic by itself is about having as many alternatives as possible, and never backing yourself into a corner you can’t get out of.
Shows compassion by turning your curiosity into the plots and patterns of your people. You can spot patterns and opportunities for development even before your followers do.
Inspires hope because the nature of Strategic is anticipatory. It is about thinking about what is going to happen, and what could be the best result of today’s actions. It is about planning what you can do to lead to a better tomorrow.
