Today, competitive organizations have cultures built around innovative leadership, where workers are encouraged to be both strategic and tactical in everything they do. Companies that coach their employees to go out on the proverbial limb–and stay there–will time and again outperform and outlast their competitors.
But how do you teach tactical-minded employees to think strategically? How do you turn “we’ve always done it that way” automatons into “we can do it better” creative thinkers? I recommend the POP method. It’s easy to remember and teach.
- Pause:Take a time out. Many of us go about our daily routines day after day without taking the time to evaluate why we’re doing what we’re doing. We often mistake being busy for being productive. Before starting any new assignment, stop for a moment and evaluate what you’re doing and why. Does it provide value to the business? Who is the beneficiary of your output? How is it making the business operate cheaper, faster, or better? If you’re asked to do something, ask “Why?” rather than “How?”
- Outcomes:Strategic thinkers focus on possible end outcomes. Ask yourself if what you’re doing impacts the organization and its mission and vision. In what way? Keep an eye out for threats, obstacles, and problems areas that may be lurking in the shadows before they hit turn into crises. Likewise, what opportunities can you take advantage of that may prove valuable in the future?
- Plan: Once you know what you’re doing and why you’re doing it, break the project down into deliverables and then into tasks required to complete each deliverable. Delegate to yourself or others who does what and by when.
The idea is to challenge and encourage employees to function strategically while still getting things done. When employees begin to think more strategically they become more responsive to changing customer needs and market conditions. They become problem solvers instead of problem creators.
