Why Strategic Thinking Matters?

 Why Strategic Thinking Matters?

I was out with a group of former colleagues a couple of weeks ago. One of them started complaining about her manager. She was not happy about the way she was being treated by her manager. I asked her a few questions about her manager’s personality and leadership style. She defined him as a controlling leader wanting to be surrounded by the “yes-people”. Based on Robert E. Kelly (2008), “the yes-people” is on the leader’s side and always looking to the leader for the thinking, direction, and vision. “If the leader asks them to do something, they’ve got the energy, and they’ll go forward with it. When they finish that task, they’ll come back to the leader, asking, “What do you want me to do next?”.

 

My friend, in contrast, is a “star follower”. Robert E. Kelly (2008) defines these followers as very active individuals who think for themselves. “They do not accept the leader’s decision without their own independent evaluation of its soundness. If they agree with the leader, they give full support. If they disagree, they challenge the leader, offering constructive alternatives that will help the leader and organization get where they want to go.” 

 

The problem with putting a controlling leader and a star follower in one room is that a controlling leader hardly wants to be open to constructive ideas. It is more of an authoritarian way of leading employees with little to no patience for their ideas. This is a very common pattern in call centres. I asked my colleague, do you like the job? She said, yes! I like the job but not the manager. I asked her whether she tried being strategic. She wondered what I meant by that question. Looking at the confusion on her face, I elaborated. I asked her how about you become a yes-follower for some time. Build a good relationship with your manager by listening to him and agreeing with him. Allow it some time and see whether it opens opportunities for you to engage with him more constructively. After some time, I met my colleague again. She seemed super-pleased. She thanked me and I was wondering why. She said your advice on taking a strategic approach with my manager worked. He is calmer and less dictatorial with me. I can see my interaction with him heading towards a constructive direction.

 

Moral of the story is that strategic thinking is essential not just for leaders but followers as well especially in organizations where controlling leadership is more dominant. Having a vision, seeing the bigger picture, building relationships, and above all learning to know when to be patient and when to be assertive, are key components to both followership and leadership.