“All men can see these tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved.” Sun Tzu

Having a strategy to achieve any goal is one of the smartest things you can do. As the leader of your organization, you are responsible to see how all of the different pieces work and how you can use them to achieve your goals and continue to grow. Your company and your people need you to be the strategic one, they can handle everything else.

Here are a few habits to start developing if you want to become a master strategist:

1. Anticipate Everything

Everyone is looking forward. It’s your job to see what’s coming at you from all angles. Opportunities may be standing right next to you so it’s your job to turn your head and see them. You should:

• Look for game-changing information in the periphery of your industry
• Search beyond any boundaries you currently have
• Build a bigger network to help you scan for those opportunities

2. Start thinking Critically

Don’t settle for the obvious conclusion and don’t ever do what everyone else is doing. Question every new method that presents itself before you make the decision to put any of your resources into trying it. Force yourself to:

• Reframe your current problems
• Challenge your current mindset and beliefs
• Uncover hypocrisy, manipulation, and bias in any and all decision making

3. Make Decisions

There comes a point when you have enough information to make a decision. Don’t wait too long and don’t fall victim to “analysis paralysis”. Not making a decision leads to missed opportunities, and that’s something most companies can’t afford. Start:

• Carefully frame the decision to get to the crux of the matter
• Balance speed, rigor, quality and agility. Let your superiors worry about perfection.
• Take a stand even when there’s more data to collect and especially when people don’t all agree.

Find more habits to help you become a better strategist here. 

What habits help you think more strategically?  Share in the comment box below or on Facebook and Twitter.