THE TOOLKIT
Strategy Pentad
Big picture, out-of-the-box, atop the mountain, 50,000-feet, leading edge, green light thinking, cross-platform, cross-media, cross-functional, cross-departmental, global, globalization, cross-global, inter-global, inter-relational, inter-departmental, inter-dependent, holistic, integrative, intuitive, innovative, impactful (which is not a word), interactive, mission-critical, next-generation, new generation, generational, generative, revolutionary, synergistic, synergist, turn-key, broadband … and the list goes on and on.
Developing a strategic mindset or being described as possessing a broad, strategic view can and has been described a million different ways. People have provided feedback to describe this perspective saying:
- “I wish you would think outside your specific area. There are other parts to the business that you don’t seem to consider.”
- “You need to see things in terms of how they could happen, not just how they did happen. Continue to consider all possibilities.”
- “You really need to open your eyes to some of the broader implications in your recommendations and proposals.”
- “Try not to always jump to an immediate conclusion all the time. Sometimes, you should just let things wash over you and see how they simmer.”
- “You really need to elevate your play. Come up with the direction or the next big idea for the organization. Don’t be afraid to set the industry on fire.”
The ability to understand and more importantly communicate this broader, more strategic viewpoint is a critical need in the overall perception of an executive presence. Taking into consideration the research, feedback, and input of others, there are five dimensions to demonstrating a broad, strategic view:
| OVERSIGHT | FARSIGHT | HINDSIGHT | NEARSIGHT | INSIGHT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole System | Long Term | Past Plus Present |
In-The Moment |
New Ideas |
| Across Departments |
Vision | Learned Mistakes |
Openness | Creativity |
| Industry Insights |
Direction | New Beginnings |
Possibilities vs. Probabilities |
Innovation |
| Destiny | Revolutionary Concepts |