3 Tools to Being a More Strategic Leader

I have observed that the most successful leaders I’ve been fortunate enough to meet and work with often make time not only for their team but also for themselves. As a leader, it’s easy to get caught up in day-to-day tasks when you go from one meeting to another. You seemingly have zero time to pick your head up and take a strategic look forward.

Taking the time each week to check in with yourself is critical for stepping back, getting out of the weeds and thinking more strategically about your work. I call this the "self-check-in." In other words, you take the time to:

• Reflect on the week that just passed.

• Look forward to next week’s lineup of meetings.

• Plan strategically what you need to accomplish versus what you have time to accomplish.

I suggest setting aside an hour every Friday afternoon or Monday morning on your calendar to make sure you set up yourself and your week for success. Here's a more in-depth look at the three steps to follow when conducting your weekly self-reflection:

1. Reflect on the past week.

Take a look at your calendar, your to-do list and your goals to clarify what you accomplished, what you missed, what you did well and what you’re proud of. This step is designed to help you identify gaps and celebrate successes.