How do you show strategic vision?

1 Know your purpose

The first step to showing strategic vision is to have a clear and compelling purpose for your organization. Your purpose is the reason why you exist, what value you create, and who you serve. It should inspire and motivate you and your team, and guide your decisions and actions. To communicate your purpose effectively, you need to articulate it in a simple and memorable way, and align it with your values and culture. You also need to show how your purpose connects with the needs and aspirations of your stakeholders, and how it differentiates you from your competitors.

2 Scan the environment

The second step to showing strategic vision is to scan the environment for trends, opportunities, and threats that may affect your organization. You need to be curious and open-minded, and look beyond your industry and market. You can use tools like SWOT analysis, PESTLE analysis, or scenario planning to identify and evaluate the factors that may impact your organization in the short and long term. You also need to seek feedback and input from diverse sources, such as customers, employees, experts, or partners, to gain different perspectives and insights.

3 Set clear and ambitious goals

The third step to showing strategic vision is to set clear and ambitious goals for your organization. Your goals should be SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. They should also be challenging and inspiring, and reflect your purpose and vision. To communicate your goals effectively, you need to use clear and concise language, and explain the benefits and rationale behind them. You also need to involve your team and stakeholders in setting and reviewing your goals, and solicit their buy-in and commitment.

4 Align your resources and actions

The fourth step to showing strategic vision is to align your resources and actions with your goals. You need to develop a strategic plan that outlines the strategies, tactics, and milestones that will help you achieve your goals. You also need to allocate and optimize your resources, such as budget, time, talent, or technology, to support your plan. To execute your plan effectively, you need to monitor and measure your progress and performance, and adjust your actions as needed. You also need to communicate and collaborate with your team and stakeholders, and empower them to take ownership and responsibility.

5 Innovate and adapt

The fifth step to showing strategic vision is to innovate and adapt to changing circumstances. You need to foster a culture of innovation and learning in your organization, and encourage creativity and experimentation. You also need to embrace change and uncertainty, and be flexible and agile in responding to new challenges and opportunities. To innovate and adapt effectively, you need to seek and embrace feedback, and learn from your successes and failures. You also need to celebrate and reward innovation and adaptation, and recognize and share best practices.

6 Inspire and influence

The sixth step to showing strategic vision is to inspire and influence others to follow your vision. You need to develop and demonstrate executive presence, and communicate your vision with confidence and passion. You also need to build and leverage your network, and establish trust and credibility with your stakeholders, teams, and customers. To inspire and influence effectively, you need to listen and empathize, and tailor your message and style to your audience. You also need to share and delegate, and coach and mentor others to develop their own vision and potential.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?