For designers eyeing leadership roles, strategic thinking is key. It's about looking beyond single tasks to see how design influences business success.

Strategic thinkers constantly ponder:

• Their current position
• Their desired future
• The path to get there

To sharpen strategic thinking:

• Observe: Understand business objectives and spot trends. See the bigger picture and its importance to clients. Note any challenges during the design process and share with the team.
• Ask questions: Strategy thrives on inquiry. Be curious, ask deep questions about clients, team dynamics, and processes. Stepping off the beaten path often reveals valuable insights.
• Communicate strategically: Structure your communication to keep focus on key goals and outcomes.
• Prioritize issues: Instead of trying to do it all, focus on what truly matters. Assess if your presence in meetings is essential or if your time could better serve reaching goals.