Making a meaningful impact as a leader requires a delicate balance of strategy, empathy, and innovation. Lean too far in one direction, and all your best-laid plans will fall flat.
For example, let’s say you create a strategy and present it to various stakeholders. Feedback pours in from all directions, and you try to please everyone by taking every note, only to end up with a watered-down plan. Or perhaps you decide to stick rigidly to your vision, but it alienates your team, leaving them feeling unmotivated and disconnected. Either way, you’re not achieving the results you want.
In a recent episode of The Standup, our own Yael Miller sat down with Devin Reed, a leader who transitioned from being a sales rep to the content marketing director at Gong and later at Clari. Devin knows a thing or two about making a splash and expanding influence, so we asked him to share his best leadership advice. These tips, inspired by his journey, are designed to help you level up your strategic outcomes.
So, how can you make the most impact as a leader?
Be curious
When you’re in a meeting with senior leadership, it’s natural to want to impress everyone with your knowledge. But when you’re working on the strategic vision for your department, the most important thing you can do is listen. Your strategy will be much more effective if you can incorporate tactics that address what your leadership cares about most. So, the next time you’re in the room with them, focus on understanding what will help support their vision. Ask questions like, “What do you expect from me?” and “How can I make this strategy happen for the business?” Then, use their answers to guide your plan.
Be accountable
Strategies are only as good as their execution. Even the best plans on paper won’t deliver results if the numbers aren’t there. As a leader, you must be accountable for achieving your business objectives. When your executive team sets company goals, make sure your objectives align with them and are specific, measurable, and time-bound. Be proactive in defining the right metrics and sticking to them. If you miss a target, own it and figure out how to improve next time.
Tell a good story
When presenting to leadership, instead of diving into the tactics of your plan, focus on the business outcomes your strategy will drive. According to Devin, the most compelling way to do this is by telling a memorable, punchy, and data-driven story. Think about how you will build an exciting narrative that aligns with big-picture business goals, so your presentation stands out among the many conversations your executives will have that day. This high-level, emotionally charged approach is one of the best ways to build buy-in.
Engage your team
High-performance leaders know that team engagement is key to driving success. And while it's your job to set the strategy, try leaving about 10% of it up to your team. When you involve them in developing the plan, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to its success. Then, when the strategy is in motion, constantly keep the team informed about what happens in leadership discussions, sharing C-suite priorities and explaining any challenges or opportunities that arise during those meetings. This way, everyone is aligned, engaged, and ready to tackle or capitalize on whatever comes their way.
Protect the strategy
It’s important to be open to feedback on your strategy, but be discerning about which suggestions to incorporate. Remember that people outside your department may have strong opinions about what you’re doing, but may lack the insights you have from being close to the work. So, when feedback isn’t relevant, Devin suggests being cordial and educating people about why you’re taking a particular direction or making certain decisions.
