There was a time when I thought I was being strategic… But in reality, I was just solving tactical problems on a slightly longer timeline. I’d block out time to plan, only to fill it with to-do lists. I’d think ahead, but only as far as next quarter. I was stuck in forward motion, not forward thinking. I needed to think more strategically.
What helped shift things? A simple mindset framework I still use to this day, something I now help others put into practice as well. I call it:
Step back. Zoom in. Move forward.
Step 1: Step Back
Before you can think more strategically, you need space to be able to think period. That means disconnecting from urgency. Shutting down your inbox. Giving your brain a moment to look at the full picture.
When I step back, I ask myself:
- What’s changed since I last looked at this plan or problem?
- Are we still heading toward the right goal or just executing because it’s on the calendar?
- Where might we be chasing effort instead of impact?
This doesn’t take hours, it just takes intention.
Step 2: Zoom In
Once I’ve reset the lens, I zoom in on the one area that matters most right now. This is where I try to spot the leverage point. The one decision, issue or opportunity that will make the biggest difference if handled well.
Strategic thinking isn’t about fixing everything. It’s about finding the right thing to focus on next. Sometimes that means prioritising a long-term initiative over an immediate win. Sometimes it means saying no to something that doesn’t move the dial.
It’s not always comfortable, but it always brings clarity.
Step 3: Move Forward
Finally, I move forward. But now with intention, not just momentum.
This part is key. It’s easy to fall back into reacting, especially when things get messy. But if you’ve stepped back and zoomed in first, you’re better positioned to make a confident, aligned decision.
And you avoid the trap of solving surface problems when the real issue lives deeper.
Why This Framework Works
It’s not complicated and that’s exactly why it works. I’ve used it to:
- Decide which client opportunities to say yes (or no) to
- Prioritise what content or messaging will matter most
- Shift from firefighting mode back into strategic clarity
This isn’t something that lives in a slide deck, it lives in how I think, plan and act every week.
Want to Build a Think More Strategically Habit That Sticks?
This framework reflects the kind of mindset shift we build throughout my upcoming course:
How to Employ Strategic Thinking (A practical course for business owners, team leads and emerging leaders who want to make better decisions, faster.)
If you’re ready to stop reacting and start leading with intention, this course was made for you.
→ Join the waitlist or get in touch to learn more before it goes live in July.
Transforming Potential into Performance