Leveraging Career Skills

Here’s why sharing strategic thinking “frameworks” without context is useless (and what actually works). I see posts like this infographic daily on social media—pretty boxes, buzzwords… and zero actionable insight. The brutal truth? Posting frameworks without explanation is career virtue signaling at its worst. Strategic Thinking Is actually critical right now: ✅ 57% of business leaders say strategic thinking is the #1 soft skill their workforce desperately needs (Springboard 2024) ✅ The World Economic Forum 2025 Future of Jobs Report confirms analytical thinking remains the TOP core skill demanded by 7 out of 10 companies globally. While everyone’s obsessing over AI and technical skills, the most successful professionals are the ones who can think strategically about those tools. Here are 5 ways I coach my clients to actually develop their strategic thinking which you can adopt right now: 1. Master the “So What?” Question After every data point, analysis, or meeting, → Ask, “So what does this mean for our goals?” Force yourself to connect dots, not just collect them. 2. Practice Scenario Planning Weekly Pick one business decision facing your team. Map out 3 potential outcomes and their implications. This builds your strategic foresight muscle. 3. Reverse-Engineer Successful Strategies Study companies that solved problems similar to yours. What assumptions did they challenge? What patterns can you extract? 4. Create a “Strategic Time Block” Block 2 hours weekly for big-picture thinking. No emails, no tactical work. Just strategic reflection and planning. Non-negotiable. 5. Teach Your Thinking Process Explain your strategic reasoning to others. If you can’t teach it clearly, you haven’t thought it through deeply enough. Strategic thinking isn’t about memorizing frameworks from infographics on Pinterest. It’s about developing the mental discipline to see patterns, challenge assumptions, and connect seemingly unrelated pieces. The professionals who master this will be irreplaceable. The ones who share pretty frameworks will be forgotten. Which one are you? Coaching can help; let's chat. | Joshua Miller #executivecoaching #professionaldevelopment #careeradvice #getahead

Looking to upskill your employees or enhance your own skills on the job? Maybe the 'Qualifizierungschancengesetz' (long German word 🙈) is for you! The Qualifizierungschancengesetz (Skills Development Opportunities Act) is a German law aimed at promoting lifelong learning by providing financial support for employees to pursue further training.  It allows employers and employees to access subsidies for qualification programs, with funding provided by the Federal Employment Agency. The goal is to address the accelerated transformation of the working world, prevent unemployment caused by structural change, strengthen further training, and secure the skilled labor base. In a nutshell: - Up to 💯coverage of training costs. Companies can have the costs of employee training covered by public funding, up to 100%. The law enables companies to train their employees to remain competitive, but only for certified training programs. - 💰Companies are also supported through wage subsidies. Businesses with up to 50 employees can receive up to 75% of wage costs reimbursed, while those with up to 500 employees can receive up to 50%. Criteria for funding under the QCG: - Skills, knowledge, and abilities are imparted that go beyond exclusively job-related short-term adaptation training. - The acquisition of the vocational qualification for which a training period of at least two years is stipulated by federal or state law was generally at least two years ago (if applicable). - The employee has not taken part in further vocational training subsidized in the two years before submitting the application. - The program or course lasts more than 120 hours.  - The program or course, as well as the provider, must be AZAV-approved. I'll link some resources in the comments 👇 Are you already making use of the Qualifizierungschancengesetz? #upskilling #personaldevelopment #learning

After 3 panel interviews, she was exhausted – and confused. The feedback? 👉 “You didn’t show strategic thinking.” But here’s the thing: - She did talk about her achievements. - She did outline her results. - She did lead teams and manage budgets. So what was missing? Let’s break it down: 🎯 Strategic thinking isn’t just about what you did. It’s about how you see the big picture-and how you influence it. Here’s what senior interviewers are actually listening for: 🧠 1. Can you connect the dots between actions and business impact? ❌ “We improved process efficiency by 15%.” ✅ “That 15% increase shaved $1.2M off operational costs-freeing up budget for product innovation.” 💡 2. Do you think beyond your function or team? ❌ “I led the sales team to exceed quota.” ✅ “We partnered with Product and RevOps to align messaging-this cross-functional approach helped us surpass ARR targets by 18%.” 🔍 3. Are you proactive about solving future problems? ❌ “We reacted quickly to client churn.” ✅ “We launched a client risk model using churn indicators-cut attrition by 30% in two quarters.” Strategic thinking = → Systems-level awareness → Cross-functional alignment → Clear business outcomes → Forward-looking insight And most importantly? You need to say it out loud. No one can read your mind in an interview. 📣 Senior interviews aren’t about repeating your resume. They’re about showing you can lead with vision. ✅ Follow me for daily tips on interviewing, personal branding, and landing your next senior role with confidence.

Do you feel stuck in a cycle of reacting to daily challenges instead of steering your team toward long-term success? Strategic thinking is the key to breaking free. Let’s take Rahul as an example. As a senior manager at a tech firm, he excelled at solving operational issues and leading his team. But when it came to taking his career to the next level, he hit a wall. Feedback from his supervisors revealed the gap: Rahul wasn’t thinking strategically enough. Instead of focusing solely on immediate tasks, Rahul realized he needed to develop a broader, long-term perspective. Here are some of the steps he took to sharpen his strategic mindset: 1. Broaden Your Perspective Rahul carved out time each week to explore industry trends, market shifts, and competitive changes. Look beyond day-to-day operations to understand the external factors shaping the future of your business. 2. Question Assumptions Past successes can be a comfort zone, but real growth comes from questioning the status quo. Rahul started asking himself, “What if we tried this differently?” and “Why not explore this option?” 3. Prioritize Long-Term Impact Short-term wins are important, but great leaders think beyond today’s challenges. Rahul trained himself to evaluate decisions by their impact two or three years down the road thereby aligning his team’s work with the company’s larger vision. 4. Strengthen Cross-Functional Collaboration Rahul began involving colleagues from other departments in key decisions. This collaboration gave him valuable insights and helped him see how actions in one area could ripple across the organization. 5. Develop Scenario Planning Skills Strategic leaders prepare for multiple outcomes. They stay agile and prepared, even in uncertain times. Rahul embraced scenario planning to map out how different decisions might play out under various conditions. 6. Practice Reflective Thinking Setting aside time for reflection allowed Rahul to evaluate past decisions, learn from outcomes, and refine his approach. Monthly reviews of key initiatives gave him the clarity needed to grow his strategic thinking. 7. Embrace Data-Driven Insights Data became Rahul’s ally. He invested in tools to track trends, interpret customer behaviors, and make informed decisions. 8. Stay Ahead of Disruption Rahul also made it a priority to stay informed about emerging technologies and shifts in his industry. By anticipating disruption, he was able to turn challenges into opportunities. Strategic thinking isn’t a one-and-done skill. It’s a mindset that evolves with experience and it transforms how you lead. So, here’s the big question: Are you investing time in building your strategic muscle, or are you stuck in the weeds? Start today, and see where the journey takes you. DM me for a discovery session. #strategy #strategicthinking #globalleadership #GCCs Dinesh Bhalla, Mohammad Afazal Imran Khan, what are your tips re strategic thinking?

UNLOCK YOUR STRATEGIC GENIUS: LESSONS FROM NAPOLEON Napoleon Bonaparte wasn't just a military mastermind – he was an unwitting neuroscientist. His approach to strategic thinking mirrors modern insights into how our brains create powerful, innovative ideas. Here's how you can harness Napoleon's methods to revolutionise your strategic thinking: 1. BUILD YOUR KNOWLEDGE ARSENAL > Immerse yourself in your field > Study diverse case studies and examples 2. ENGAGE ALL YOUR SENSES > Experience situations firsthand - make no pre-judgements > Gather insights from those on the front lines 3. MASTER THE ART OF STRATEGIC REFLECTION > Create space for quiet contemplation > Distinguish between working hard and thinking hard 4. CULTIVATE YOUR 'COUP d’OEIL' (Flash of Insight) > Allow time for your brain to make new connections > Embrace the 'aha' moment when it strikes 5. ACT WITH UNWAVERING CONVICTION > Trust your strategic intuition > Execute your insights with resolve By following Napoleon's instinctive approach, you're not just thinking strategically – you're optimising your brain for breakthrough insights. This method aligns perfectly with the scientifically-proven stages of creative thinking: Preparation, Incubation, Illumination, and Verification. Ready to unleash your inner strategic genius? Embrace these neuroscience-backed techniques and transform your approach to problem-solving and innovation. Your next game-changing idea could be just one 'coup d'oeil' away!

🧠✨ Is strategic thinking a skill—or a habit? What if it’s both—and you could build it into your day-to-day life? Too often, we think of strategic thinking as something reserved for off-sites, executive retreats, or high-level planning meetings. But the truth is: 💡 Strategic thinkers don’t wait for the right moment—they create it. Here’s how to build strategic thinking into your daily routine: 📌 Start with “why” – Don’t just complete a task. Ask: How does this contribute to the bigger picture? 🧭 Zoom out regularly – Set aside 15 minutes a day to reflect on long-term goals and patterns. 🤝 Talk cross-functionally – Strategy lives at the intersection of perspectives. 📊 Follow industry trends – Thinking beyond your role requires knowing what’s happening outside your bubble. 🧱 Challenge assumptions – Strategic thinkers question what others accept. 📅 Block time for deep thinking – If you don’t schedule it, it won’t happen. 🛠️ Like any skill, thinking strategically improves with repetition and reflection. The more you do it, the more natural it becomes—until it’s simply how you see the world. 💬 What’s one habit that helps you think more strategically? #ThinkStrategically #LeadershipDevelopment #DailyHabits #MindsetMatters #ProfessionalGrowth #StrategicThinking #CareerGrowth #BigPictureThinking #FutureFocused #ContinuousImprovement

Project Management Cheat Sheet 1. Key Phases of a Project 1.1. Initiation: Define the project scope, goals, and objectives. Identify stakeholders. Develop a business case or project charter. 1.2. Planning: Create a project plan (scope, timeline, budget, resources). Develop a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). Identify risks and plan mitigation strategies. 1.3. Execution: Assign tasks to team members. Monitor progress and ensure quality deliverables. Manage stakeholder communication. 1.4. Monitoring & Controlling: Track project performance against KPIs (e.g., cost, time, scope). Manage risks and implement changes. Conduct regular status updates and reviews. 1.5. Closure: Deliver the final product or service. Obtain client or stakeholder sign-off. 2. Common Project Management Methodologies Waterfall: Sequential approach (ideal for predictable projects). Agile: Iterative and flexible (ideal for dynamic projects). Scrum: Framework under Agile with sprints. Kanban: Visual task management using boards. PRINCE2: Process-driven framework focused on control. 3. Essential Documents and Tools 3.1. Documents: Project Charter Project Plan Risk Register Gantt Chart Issue Log Stakeholder Register 3.2. Tools: Task Management: Trello, Asana, Jira Timeline Planning: Microsoft Project, Smartsheet Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams Collaboration: Google Workspace, Miro 4. Project Management Metrics (KPIs) Schedule Performance Index (SPI): Actual progress vs. planned progress. Cost Performance Index (CPI): Earned value vs. actual costs. Burn Rate: Rate of spending project budget. Milestone Completion: Percentage of milestones completed on time. Customer Satisfaction: Stakeholder or client feedback. 5. Risk Management Process Identify risks (brainstorming, checklists). Assess risks (impact and probability). Plan risk responses (mitigate, transfer, accept, avoid). Monitor and control risks throughout the project. 6. Tips for Effective Project Management Define Clear Objectives: Ensure everyone understands the goals. Communicate Often: Keep stakeholders updated. Prioritize Tasks: Focus on high-value activities. Stay Flexible: Be ready to adapt to changes. Document Everything: Maintain proper records for accountability. Use Technology: Leverage tools to streamline workflows. Evaluate Performance: Regularly review team and project performance. 7. Common Challenges and Solutions 7.1. Scope Creep: Solution: Define scope clearly and use a change management process. 7.2. Poor Communication: Solution: Establish clear communication channels and regular updates. 7.3. Budget Overruns: Solution: Monitor spending closely and manage risks proactively. 7.4. Missed Deadlines: Solution: Use detailed planning and track progress frequently. 7.5. Resource Allocation Issues: Solution: Use resource management tools and prioritize tasks. Keep this cheat sheet handy to ensure you stay on top of your project management responsibilities and deliver successful outcomes!

Want better strategy? Have a strategy for your strategy. Here's a quick guide for strategic leaders: 🔄 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 (𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭) Use entrepreneurial thinking when innovative ideas must be tested against reality. It’s a loop of hypothesizing, testing, learning, and iterating. This approach is ideal when the context calls for experimentation, and learning from failure is as valuable as succeeding. 💡 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 (𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧) Use visionary thinking when the path forward needs to be imagined. It’s about setting a compelling future state that motivates and inspires. This mode fits contexts that require a bold, transformative direction and when people have the freedom to dream big. 🧭 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 (𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭) Use adaptive thinking when certainty is low and control over outcomes is limited. This mode is about staying agile, pivoting in response to unanticipated changes, and evolving through small, incremental steps. It’s the art of survival and growth in unpredictable environments. Use this when the context is volatile and demands resilience. 📈 𝐂𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 (𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧) Use causal thinking in situations where the future can be predicted with some degree of confidence, causal thinking provides structure. It’s the traditional mode of strategic thinking—plan the work and work the plan. Use this when the context allows for clear cause-and-effect understanding and control over outcomes is possible. Strategic agility—the ability to switch between these modes as contexts change—is a powerful advantage in a complex and ever-changing world. Which mode do you use most of the time? ♻ Repost to help your network in 2025. --------- I'm Alex Nesbitt. I help CEOs build more effective companies.

𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 Project management is a blend of art and science, requiring professionals to possess a diverse skill set to lead teams effectively and deliver results. Below are five critical skills every project manager should master: 🔰 𝙏𝙚𝙘𝙝𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙎𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙨 A solid understanding of tools, methodologies, and technologies used in project execution is vital. Whether it’s proficiency in project management software or familiarity with industry-specific technicalities, these skills lay the foundation for efficient planning and execution. 🔰 𝘽𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙨𝙚 Beyond technical know-how, project managers must grasp the broader business context. This includes aligning projects with organizational goals, managing budgets, and understanding market trends to make informed decisions. 🔰 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙗𝙡𝙚𝙢-𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 Challenges are inevitable in any project. The ability to think critically, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions is what sets successful project managers apart. It’s about turning obstacles into opportunities. 🔰 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙎𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙨 Managing a team requires more than delegation. Interpersonal skills such as communication, empathy, and conflict resolution help build trust and foster collaboration among diverse team members. 🔰 𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 Leadership isn’t just about giving orders—it’s about inspiring and guiding a team toward a shared vision. Effective leaders motivate, mentor, and maintain focus, even in the face of setbacks. By developing and refining these skills, project managers can confidently tackle complex projects and drive success in any industry. Which of these skills do you feel you excel at, and which ones are you looking to improve? #skillscanvas #project #managemet #career #giyas

At some point in your career, you'll often be told that you need to "think more strategically," but what the h*** does that mean? When I received this feedback, it felt more like pressure without guidance. It took me time to uncover the essence of strategic thinking: Focus on outcomes, not just operations. 🔍 **Here's The Real Challenge:** It’s easy to get caught up in the how—how we’re executing plans, which tools we’re using, or how schedules are managed. But this often drags us into tactical discussions that cloud our strategic contributions. When leaders dwell too much on these details, they inadvertently invite others to question and critique every small decision. 🚀 **Staying Strategic:** To elevate your thinking and your conversations, emphasize how your efforts: • Propel the organization forward • Impact other teams positively • Advance overarching company goals • Enhance the bottom line When discussions steer into the granular details of how things are done, gently steer them back to the why and the what of your projects. If pressed for details, provide just enough to reassure stakeholders that you’re on top of things, then pivot back to strategic outcomes: “We’re on track with the project, and here’s how it supports our bigger goals…” 🌐 **Why This Matters:** Leaders who master this approach not only protect their time and mental energy but also enhance their credibility and influence within the organization. They ensure their conversations underscore their strategic acumen—not just their operational capabilities. 💬 **Your Thoughts?** Have you struggled with being too enmeshed in the details? What strategies have you found effective for maintaining a strategic focus? #LeadershipDevelopment #StrategicThinking #BusinessStrategy #ProfessionalGrowth