Top 3 Strategic Expectations for Leaders

More Is Being Expected from Leaders
Strategic expectations for leaders continue to increase.  Most companies take it for granted that their top leaders can operationally handle the day-to-day leadership pressures required to meet short-term targets, establish a high performance culture to engage and retain top talent, and simultaneously be masters of their area of expertise.

But today, we expect strategic leaders to set entire businesses and functions up for future success at the same time as they are meeting current demands. We expect strategic leaders to see the big picture, work at a higher altitude, and envision and implement meaningful organizational change.

To be successful, they need different leadership skills.

When Times Are Tough
We need strategic leaders especially when times are tough.  During pandemics, economic downturns, industry upheavals, racial problems, and global tensions, companies depend on leaders to guide their teams through difficult times, meet looming challenges, and overcome unexpected obstacles.

What Is Required
Based upon data form our leadership simulation assessments, there are three strategic expectations for leaders that can help move teams in a positive direction even during turbulent times. These leadership behaviors require that leaders be able to think, act, and influence strategically. Here is what we mean.

1. The Ability to Solve Complex Problems
   The best leaders make effective strategic decisions.  They are able to confront complex and ambiguous situations and see their way clear to a solution. They approach problems in a measured way and sift through what matters and what does not.
   
   Instead of being paralyzed by indecision, the best leaders prioritize and manage toward resolution.
   
   But the key is that they don’t do all this on their own. They are humble enough and wise enough to actively seek input from others. They solicit thoughts from internal and external experts and look for opportunities to solve problems in innovative and collaborative ways.
   
2. The Readiness to Act
   It’s one thing to design a course of action; it’s another to follow it. Strategic leaders are unafraid to take decisive and timely actions as long as they are aligned with the overall strategy of the organization. These leaders are bold enough to take on an appropriate level of risk because they are prepared to shift direction when needed by changes in the marketplace.
   
   Accordingly, continuous learning is a hallmark of strategic leaders.
   
3. The Capacity to Persuade Others
   The most effective leaders not only seek advice from others, but they are also adept at influencing others to follow them. For a strategy to be implemented, it needs employees from the front office to the loading dock to contribute to the plan. Strategic leaders can influence key stakeholders both inside and outside the organization to get aligned.

The Bottom Line
Are your leaders equipped to lead both tactically and strategically once strategy retreat facilitation has been completed? If your organization is to succeed long-term, you need to be led by those who can deal with complex situations, act in a timely fashion, and influence others to follow.

To learn more about strategic expectations for leaders, download How Strategic Clarity Distinguishes High Performing Leaders – The Elite 6%