Strategic leadership is a blend of strategy and leadership, but the two are often seen as separate. This separation can lead to a lack of collaboration, creating a disconnect between strategy and execution. To bridge this gap, leaders need to embody the ‘strategist’ role, which involves three key tasks: thinking, speaking, and acting strategically.

Thinking strategically requires understanding the competitive environment, anticipating market trends, and maintaining a long-term perspective. It involves creating a vision that aligns with the company’s mission and values, and that motivates employees to work towards common goals.

Speaking strategically involves communicating this vision effectively to stakeholders. Leaders must use clear, simple language to convey complex ideas, and be open to feedback. They should also encourage dialogue to ensure everyone understands the strategy and their role in achieving it.

Acting strategically involves making decisions that align with the strategy, and taking responsibility for these decisions. Leaders must be consistent, and their actions should reflect the company’s values. They should also be resilient, adapting to changes and setbacks while keeping the company on track towards its strategic goals.

By integrating these three tasks, leaders can bridge the gap between strategy and execution, and drive their companies towards success.

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