My leadership team is great at hitting their short-term operational targets, but whenever we try to set three-year strategic goals, they struggle to think past the next quarter. How do we teach our tactical leaders to think strategically?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

It is common for tactical managers to struggle with strategic thinking. They are hard-wired to solve immediate, concrete problems. If your team cannot lift their eyes to look at the three-year horizon, you must provide them with the right framework to elevate their thinking.

First, ensure you are dividing your time correctly. Your weekly Level 10 Meeting™ is designed for tactical execution, while your quarterly sessions are reserved for strategy. Do not let strategic discussions bleed into your weekly meetings, and do not let tactical fire-fighting ruin your quarterly planning.

During your quarterly sessions, use the V/TO® to guide the conversation. Start with the long-term vision, such as your ten-year target and three-year picture. Ask your team to visualize what the company will look like, how many employees we will have, and what technologies we will use.

If they struggle to contribute, look at their Kolbe A™ profiles. Leaders with low Fact Finder or low Quick Start scores may need time to process data before they feel comfortable brainstorming. Send out strategic reading and reflection questions a week before the meeting. This gives them the opportunity to prepare and gather facts, allowing them to participate confidently in long-term planning instead of feeling put on the spot.