People have called me a learning strategist because I get the freedom to do heavy thinking – critical and creative – about learning strategy. It’s a privileged position to get to spend time just thinking and it is – although some people would disagree – hard work! Strategic thinking isn’t just wool-gathering; it’s wrestling with ambiguity, challenging assumptions, and balancing competing truths.

I saw a great comment in an article the other day:

Being a strategic thinker doesn’t necessarily translate to leading through strategy.

Learning while leading

I think this is so true.

Leadership requires an element of followship. If you’re working in an organisation, you can’t expect people will follow you because you’re a) in control, or b) correct in your approach.

You can’t control. But you can influence. You’re probably not correct in your approach. But you can recognise where you’re wrong.

Find the people who can help you understand the difference and what strategy means in the real world. I know a few who can help – who do you recommend? Let me know in the comments.