I recently spoke with a senior leader facing a common challenge: carving out time for thinking and reflection while managing the constant pressure to execute. They felt clearer and more effective when they made time for strategic thinking but worried about how it would be perceived. Would others see it as “doing less”? Was thinking something that should only happen in spare moments rather than being a deliberate part of leadership?
By the end of our discussion, they had a new perspective – understanding that in an executive role, thinking isn’t a luxury, it’s essential.
The Operational Paradigm
In the early stages of a career, effort and value are closely linked. Productivity is measured by tangible output – tasks completed, hours worked, visible results. The more you do, the more valuable you seem. Leaders at this level are deeply involved in execution, where effort directly translates to outcomes.
The Strategic Shift
As leaders move into more senior roles, the effort-value equation changes. Strategic leadership demands a different approach:
1️⃣ Decisions Over Tasks – A well-placed strategic decision can have more impact than months of execution.
2️⃣ Leverage Through Others – Senior leaders amplify their impact by guiding and empowering their teams.
3️⃣ Long-Term Thinking – The best leaders play the long game, making choices that drive sustainable success.
Embracing the Difference
To lead effectively at this level, deliberate leaders must:
✅ Prioritise Strategic Thinking – Allocate time for reflection and big-picture planning. This may feel less ‘productive’ initially but it’s critical to effective leadership.
✅ Delegate with Confidence – Trust your team to execute operational tasks ensuring they have the capability to deliver thus freeing yourself to focus on high-level strategy.
✅ Measure Impact, Not Activity – Shift focus from hours worked to the outcomes and value of decisions.
✅ Invest in Relationships – Leadership influence grows through strong connections. Don’t neglect this.
✅ Embrace Ambiguity – Strategic decisions often require acting without complete information or outcome certainty. Get comfortable with making decisions in these contexts.
✅ Stay Sharp – Keep learning. Staying informed on industry trends and emerging risks gives you a strategic edge.
The Balancing Act
Effective leaders don’t abandon operational awareness, but they don’t get stuck in the weeds either. They use their operational experience to inform strategic choices without micromanaging execution.
The challenge isn’t choosing between thinking and doing – it’s knowing when to step back and lead. Shifting from immediate tasks to long-term impact is what sets strong leaders apart.
UPCOMING EVENTS
🚀 March Deliberate Leader Masterclass: Tune In and Check Your Blind Spots – Unlocking the Power of Self-Awareness
DETAILS
🗓 17 March 2025
🕛 12 – 1 pm AEDT
📍 ZOOM
👉🏼 Click Here to Register 👈🏻
_______________
🚀 World Of Work Lunch (Exclusive for HR Leaders Only)
DETAILS
🗓 20 March 2025
🕛 12 – 2:30 pm AEDT
📍 Tokyo Tina Restaurant
66A Chapel St, Windsor VIC
💲 $150/person
👉🏼 Click Here to Register 👈🏻
🚀 What sort of leader are you? Take our FREE Self-Assessment Here.
🚀 Have you got your 2025 development agenda locked in? Need to bounce it to get clarity? Here to help. Book a call Here
Ways to work with me:
💬 One-on-one coaching
🎯 Leadership development and training
🎤 Book me as a Speaker or MC for your next event
