“My boss told me I need to be more of a strategic thinker,” Charles told me.

“What does that mean to you?” I asked.

“To be honest, I’m not sure. I didn’t want to ask her because it might make me look like I wasn’t up for the promotion I just got. But I don’t really know how being a strategic thinker would change what I do.”

Charles isn’t alone. Many leaders are told to “be more strategic” without anyone explaining what that looks like day to day. Does that sound familiar? If so, keep reading for a few simple ways to bring strategic thinking into your everyday responsibilities.