Strategic Leadership

Definition and Responsibilities

• Strategic Leaders:
  • Responsible for knowing the organization's environment, considering future scenarios (5-10 years), and setting a direction for the future.
  • Must anticipate and envision the future, maintain flexibility, think strategically, and work with others to initiate change.
  • Tap into dreams for the future and link them with strategic actions.

Types of Leaders

1. Uninvolved Leader:
   • Low in both vision and action.
   • Not really a leader.
2. Doer:
   • High in action, low in vision.
   • Hard worker, dedicated but working blind.
3. Dreamer:
   • High in vision, low in action.
   • Inspires others but weak in executing strategic actions.
   • Vision has little chance of becoming reality.
4. Effective Leader:
   • High in both vision and action.
   • Transforms dreams into significant strategic actions.
   • May hire other leaders to execute the vision effectively.

Domains of Strategic Leadership

1. Vision:
   • Clear, compelling vision for 5-10 years ahead.
   • Aspirational for the future.
2. Mission:
   • Core values, purpose, and reason for existence.
   • Answers: Who are we?
3. Strategy:
   • Direction for translating vision into action.
   • Basis for development of specific mechanisms.
   • Answers: How do we achieve the vision?
4. Action:
   • Specifies immediate tasks.
   • Strategies are intentions, actions make things happen.

Developing Strategic Leadership Skills

• Anticipate Threats and Opportunities:
  • Constantly scan the environment, talk to people, research to spot change.
• Challenge the Status Quo:
  • Question assumptions about mental models and the world.
  • Examine problems from many perspectives.
• Interpret Trends:
  • Look for patterns, seek new insights.
  • Avoid easy answers.
• Achieve Alignment:
  • Gain buy-in from employees and stakeholders.
  • Ensure everyone aligns in the same direction to achieve vision.
• Improvement:
  • Identify and correct weak points in leadership skills.