Strategic Management Skills
Strategic management is essential to the successful running of any organization. My core strengths in this regard are my people skills, ability to collaborate and, the capacity to be an active listener. I can build strong relationships with others and work as part of a larger team with minimal conflict. As a leader, this can help me engage my employees and encourage them to share their opinions on various issues. It will allow me to create conditions where they feel comfortable enough to be creative and suggest innovative ways to solve organizational problems. Similarly, my listening skills will ensure that I pick up on any useful ideas. I make a point of paying critical attention during professional conversations and allowing the other person enough time to articulate his or her thoughts. I believe these characteristics will help me as I develop strategies to improve my organization.
The capabilities I would like to develop are communication, planning and organization, and decisiveness. These are all strategic management skills because they can be used to facilitate change successfully. Kotter (2007) notes that communication is essential when transforming an organization as it allows for the articulation of the new vision and strategies. He also acknowledges the importance of planning for improvements, recognizing these enhancements, and rewarding those involved. This creation and monitoring of goals will help ensure that I set clear objectives and actively work towards attaining them. Kotter (2007) also emphasizes the need to create a sense of urgency during organizational transformations. This requires an analysis of the competitive environment and the identification of current or potential crises. After this activity, tough decisions that may involve serious risks have to be made. Decisiveness will, therefore, enable me to handle the pressure at this time and make the most optimal choice.
References
Kotter, J.P. (2009). Leading change. Why transformation efforts fail. Harvard Business Review.