As an IT professional, you use your tactical thinking skills every day, whether interviewing a potential hire, assigning a task or responding to an immediate crisis. But to be successful, you also need to think strategically and become “an adaptable navigator,” according to Steve Brock, solutions marketing director at Avaya.
“Smart strategists will anticipate challenges, make smart decisions, and set clear goals to excel in any situation,” he said. “When you plan in advance, and consider various scenarios and outcomes, victory is almost a foregone conclusion.”
Brock offered tools, strategies, and frameworks for personal and professional development at an Avaya ENGAGE session, “Unlocking the Power of Strategic Thinking: Transforming Your Personal and Team Performance.” He noted that the attributes of an adaptable navigator include:
• Long-term vision
• Flexibility
• Analytic skills
• Creativity
• Leadership
• Empathy
• Finding patterns
• Proactivity
For example, an IT professional can apply these attributes to recruit and retain talented team members, Brock said. You could implement a clear career development plan, build a positive work culture, and foster open communication. Being able to adapt both strategic thinking and spontaneous approaches is a sign of flexibility that can reduce turnover in the contact center or other departments.
The adaptable navigator approach can also help you conquer procrastination, Brock said. “You can use your analytic skills to break down big goals into smaller objectives, and dive into work, even when you’re not feeling inspired. Think about what holds you back and try different approaches to see what works best for you.”
Not just for top management
Strategic thinking can help IT professionals at every level in their work and personal lives. “It’s not just for top management,” Brock said. “Being able to envision an opportunity, clearly define your objective, and chart a course for achieving your goals enables you to move forward with confidence.”
At work, strategic thinking helps you build and manage your resources, including putting together project teams and identifying the most promising technology investments, Brock said. Remember that technology and apps can be valuable members of your team.
On the personal side, strategic thinking boosts your ability to plan ahead, allowing you to be more productive, better manage your time and gain an increased sense of accomplishment. It is an important element in career and financial planning, relationship building, health and wellness, and personal growth and transitions, Brock said.
In both work and life, strategic thinking able to step back from the day-to-day tactical issues and look further ahead can enhance your ability to solve problems, manage projects and improve your team’s performance.
“Strategic thinking is a skill that you can develop with practice and intention,” Brock said. “Take advantage of opportunities for learning so you can become an adaptable navigator in business and in life.”
