Don't Just Lead, Plan to Lead: Why Intentional Leadership Matters
Written by Dr. Holly Ward
We make plans for almost everything in our lives, don't we? A meticulous itinerary for our dream vacation, a weekly meal prep schedule to stay organized, even a rough outline for how we'll spend our precious Saturdays. But here's a question for all the leaders out there: How much time do you actually dedicate to planning how you will lead?
Some leaders prefer a more impromptu style, reacting to needs as they arise and living a more reactive professional life. While there's a time for adaptability, both those who naturally plan and those who tend to be more spontaneous can significantly benefit from becoming intentional planners of their leadership.
It might sound obvious, but one of the most impactful things a leader can do is intentionally set aside time – block it out on their calendar – to strategize their leadership approach.
Leadership isn't a passive role; it's a dynamic dance of balancing people and tasks. As you climb higher in your organization, the number of people you lead often increases, and with it, the complexity. People are not widgets; they are multifaceted individuals with diverse needs and expectations from their leader. So, how do you plan to navigate that intricate landscape?
Furthermore, effective leadership demands that you synthesize disparate pieces of information, connect the dots, and present a clear, compelling "big picture" to your team. You need to not only see the strategic landscape yourself but also be able to communicate it in a way that inspires and aligns others. This requires keeping your own mind in a consistently strategic place.
So, where do you begin when it comes to planning to lead? Here are some essential strategies to incorporate into your leadership practice:
Strategies for Planning to Lead:
Block Time for Thinking: In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught in the whirlwind of daily tasks and urgent demands. But true leadership requires deep thought. Schedule dedicated "thinking time" on your calendar – time away from emails, meetings, and interruptions – to reflect on your goals, analyze challenges, and brainstorm solutions. This is where clarity emerges. Without time for thinking you will not be able to lead effectively.
Focus on Relationships: While tasks are crucial, remember that leadership is fundamentally about people. Make an intentional effort to foster strong relationships within your team. Understand individual motivations, build trust, and create an environment where open communication and collaboration thrive. Planning for these interactions is just as vital as planning for projects.
Consider the Needs of the Organization and Your People: Effective leadership is a two-way street. Your plans must align with the overarching strategic objectives of the organization, but they also must take into account the unique needs, strengths, and challenges of your team members. How can your leadership empower them to succeed while also moving the organization forward? A truly impactful plan addresses both.
Prioritize Goals: Not all goals are created equal. As a leader, you'll face numerous competing demands. Part of effective planning involves clearly prioritizing what truly matters. What are the 1-3 critical objectives that, if achieved, will have the biggest impact? Focus your planning and your team's energy on these, ensuring clarity and alignment.
Balance Day-to-Day with Planning Ahead: It's a constant tension for leaders: managing immediate needs versus looking to the future. Intentional planning means actively balancing the day-to-day operations with being proactive. Dedicate specific time to both, ensuring you're addressing current challenges while also strategically positioning your team for future success. Don't let urgent tasks completely overshadow important long-term planning.
Create Timelines for Implementing Your Plans: A great plan without a timeline is just a wish. Once you've established your strategic direction, break it down into actionable steps and assign realistic deadlines. This provides structure, fosters accountability, and allows you to track progress effectively.
Identify Key Outcomes and Plan Actions to Accomplish Them: What does success look like? Before you dive into the "how," clearly define the "what." Identify the specific, measurable outcomes you aim to achieve. Then, work backward to determine the precise actions and initiatives that will lead to those outcomes. This clarity provides a roadmap for your leadership efforts.
Support the Plan by Putting the Right People into Roles and Supporting Them: Even the most brilliant plan will falter without the right execution. A critical part of planning to lead involves assessing your team, identifying individual strengths, and strategically placing people in roles where they can excel. Crucially, establish clear accountability. Ensure everyone understands their responsibilities and the impact their contributions have on the overall success of the plan.
In conclusion, just as you plan your vacations and your meals, make the commitment to plan your leadership. It's not an optional extra; it's a fundamental pillar of effective leadership that will not only benefit your organization but also empower your people and elevate your own impact. Start blocking that time today! What's one leadership planning step you'll commit to this week?
