Strategic

Watch out...I am also strategic

The Strategic theme enables you to sort through the clutter and find the best route. It is not a skill that can be taught. It is a distinct way of thinking, a special perspective on the world at large. This perspective allows you to see patterns where others simply see complexity. Mindful of these patterns, you play out alternative scenarios, always asking, “What if this happened? Okay, well what if this happened?” This recurring question helps you see around the next corner. There you can evaluate accurately the potential obstacles. Guided by where you see each path leading, you start to make selections. You discard the paths that lead nowhere. You discard the paths that lead straight into resistance. You discard the paths that lead into a fog of confusion. You cull and make selections until you arrive at the chosen path—your strategy. Armed with your strategy, you strike forward. This is your Strategic theme at work: “What if?” Select. Strike.
Action Items
You know that there is more than one means to an end. Your ability to see options helps you quickly come up with Plan B if your first plan doesn’t work.



You can quickly pick out the relevant issues and patterns when confronted by problems and complexities.



You have a “What if this happens?” mentality toward work and life. This type of questioning helps you see, plan, and prepare for future situations.



Some may see your lightning-quick evaluation of what won’t work as overly critical. Because you are able to sort through everything so quickly, people don’t realize that you have considered all the options.



Your best contribution to a group may be to discover the path to success. Because you can do this so quickly, it may look as though you are “winging it,” but explaining yourself along the way will help others understand what you see.



Make full use of your Strategic talents by scheduling time to carefully think about a goal you want to achieve and the paths you might take to reach it. Remember that time to contemplate is essential to strategic thinking.



You naturally see alternatives more readily than others. Offer your Strategic talents when others are “stuck.” Your insights can allow them to go over, under, or around, rather than through.



Partner with people who have powerful Ideation or Strategic talents to talk about the alternative directions you see. Detailed conversations like this can help you become even better at anticipating.



Sometimes others misinterpret your Strategic talents as criticism or naysaying. Realize that you can develop your Strategic talents by taking into consideration what is already working well and what others have already done.



You are capable of quickly seeing the need for Plan B where others cannot. You may need to slow down and explain your strategy to others so they can appreciate the wisdom of your solution.



You may have great talent in seeing possibilities that are invisible to others. To motivate others, communicate your vision and the steps that will make it reality.



Don’t be afraid to be different. Discuss with professors the various approaches you can take to tackle an assignment.



Participate in research, or develop your own research project.



Search for ways to express your creative thinking.



Opt for classes that encourage discussion and creative solutions.



Reflect and write down your ideas for possible solutions to problems.



In group settings, work with others to generate new ideas or clarify your own.



Be creative in your studying. Make up games or develop mnemonic devices and anecdotes to relate information.



Do more than is expected. It is not difficult for you to expand on an idea, and you will learn more about the subject.



Seek a leadership role in a group. You see the path to success more clearly than many.



As you seek to achieve your leadership goals, always have your followers in mind.



Encourage friends to call on you to devise the best way to achieve their goals.



Consider taking an independent-study class. Your Strategic talents can help you work on your own.



Consider elective classes with subject matter that lends itself to strategic thinking, like engineering or marketing.



Choose classes that emphasize alternative ideas or solutions.



Consider running for an elected office, and confidently state your ideas.



Participate in cultural activities and exchanges to better understand the world around you.



Find organizations that need your planning abilities.



Picture yourself in a career that you love. What are you doing? What path did you take to create the opportunity? Working backward from your goal is often an effective strategy for you.



Play out a variety of scenarios in your mind to help you decide which career to explore further. List the various paths possible in your future so you can give careful thought to each one.



Environments that are flexible and encourage creative thought and strategy will bring out your best. Opportunities to see the big picture and plan new approaches will energize you.



Your ability to create new programs and generate multiple alternatives will be an asset to any organization you join.



Environments that allow originality and focus more on the outcome than on specific procedures will allow your Strategic talents to flourish.



Interview people who work in psychology, law, and consulting. Learn what they find most rewarding about their work on a daily basis.