Major milestones – such as New Year’s – prompt people to reflect on their current situation, and to look ahead. With that spirit, I recently shared seven questions with several professional friends. It’s a good message, worth considering by a wider audience…..

….As we transition to a new calendar year, it’s time to ask,

“Am I applying strategic thinking to
my career, and to my organization?”

What’s Your Personal Brand? Brands are statements that imply performance and trust. The concept of personal branding consistently resonates with attendees of my workshop Leading Strategic Initiatives (Program Management). You need to proactively get your implied and real promises established in the minds of your audience.  If you don’t establish your brand, others will do it for you (and you might not like the result!) Test your branding out. My brand is: Greg Githens helps executives turn vision into results through strategic initiatives.  What’s your feedback on my branding?

Are you thinking strategically?  Strategic thinkers are tolerant of ambiguity. The very word strategy itself is ambiguous (has many subjective meanings). Do you keep – top of mind –  YOUR DEFINITION of SUCCESS?  Are you looking for small wins to move you toward that vision….. and away from failure?

Are you anticipating opportunity?  I think that 2013 will be a good year for the world economy and for economic growth. I think that there are going to be many new opportunities open up for leaders to take charge of strategic initiatives.

Have you taken the time to reflect on your lessons learned for the year? As I reflect back on 2012, I’m grateful for all of the opportunities given to me for improvement.  I’ve met a lot of really smart, wonderful people; and I’ve grown through the vigorous exchange of ideas.  I’ve coached executives and program managers on several strategic programs, and have gained more perspective on the tools that work.

Do you have stretch goals? My favorite definition of youth is when you think the best is still ahead of you. Old people believe that the best is behind them.

Do you carry a mentality of abundance or a mentality of scarcity? We are lucky to live in this time. While Earth and our societies has many challenges, we are blessed with intelligent and creative people who  are looking to collaborate.

Are you paying forward?  Have you looked into the community for those in need? One of the best things you can do for your career is to get involved in charitable and community leadership positions. It’s probably one of the best ways to learn more about influencing others and positive politics. If you know of a charitable organizations that needs help in formulating and executing strategy, put them in contact with me.

I wish the best of success, however you chose to define it!

Do you agree that strategic thinking is a key to personal and organizational success?