Strategic thinking and leadership effectiveness are closely related. And yet each of these is rarely analysed within a single context, relevant for the two at the same time.

In addition, strategy is often understood as a single process happening once a year, whereas in reality effective leaders act strategically on a daily basis.

Check out: Develop Strategic Thinkers Throughout Your Organization

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Glossary

• abundant – existing or available in large quantities; plentiful
• aptitude – a natural ability to do something
• hands-on – involving or offering active participation rather than theory
• endeavour – an attempt to achieve a goal
• stakeholder – a person with an interest or concern in something, especially a business

Think about it

Answer the questions below.

• Describe the study conducted by Management Research Group in 2013.
• What were the findings of the study?
• How can strategic leaders be described?
• How can organizations develop strategic leaders? Which of the suggestions do you find most appealing?

Practice makes perfect

Fill in the blank spaces with the missing words. Use ONE word per blank space.

Strategic leaders ________ a broad, long-range approach to problem-solving and decision-making that involves objective analysis, thinking ahead, and planning. That means ________ able to think in multiple time frames, identifying what they are trying to accomplish ________ time and what has to happen now, in six months, in a year, in three years, to get there. It also means thinking systemically. That is, identifying the impact of their decisions ________ various segments of the organization—including internal departments, personnel, suppliers and customers.

In our study, the leaders who scored well ________ those skills were six times more likely to be seen as effective as the leaders that were low ________ them, independent ________ any of their other behaviors. They were also four times more likely to be seen as individuals ________ significant future potential within their organizations.

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