The ability to think strategically and creatively adds value to your organization.
Strategic thinking is the # 1 executive level skill sought by organizations.
But with the day-to-day demands of a business consistently pulling at internal resources, how does one create and maintain an atmosphere for strategic thinking — a broader, longer term approach to problem solving, decision making and planning? Likewise how does a leader stay both strategic and innovative while creating a system of strategic thinking throughout their company or organization?
Let’s be completely honest with ourselves. How often do we really step outside of the daily business bubble, change the game and move beyond the perimeters of the frame work that has been built?
Here are a a few relatively simple ideas, that can be employed almost immediately within any company or organization.
1. Create an idea box for staff, employees and team members. But don’t just leave it at that. Once a month host a brainstorming session around the ideas that have been generated.
2. Role Reversal – Have you ever wondered what it was like to do the job of someone else withing the company? Take on another role in your organization or company for a day and see how the other half lives and works.
3. Host a community forum or a focus group. This allows you to gather input and insight from others that are less connected to your organization or business.
4. Offer rewards and incentives for new ideas that are contributed and implemented. Get employees invested by encouraging strategic thinking that recognizes opportunities versus reactionary behavior.
5. Have or encourage staff and employees to schedule regular time for creative and strategic thinking. Remind everyone that there are no bad ideas and nothing is off limits.
6. Allow employees/staff to engage in ongoing problem solving activities. Remember that the people that are in the field may see things that you don’t and can’t, so give employees an opportunity to play a genuine role in providing solutions in your company.
7. Post organizational objectives and the company mission around your office. Sometimes we forget why we’re here and what we’re shooting for. Daily activities can become mundane and employees can feel as if they’re working within a vacuum. Remind them that they are indeed working towards something and it takes the help of everyone within the organization to get there.
Biz Practitioner
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