You're aiming for a leadership position in Business Strategy. How can you successfully make the transition?

There are several things that this article is missing out. The first one is: why do you want to work in business strategy? I have been doing this work for over 2 decades and I can attest for the excitement of career in business strategy, but at the same time the journey is fraught with navigating organizations, ensuring that your work gets executed rather than kept in a drawer, and above all that your senior leadership focuses on long term rather than focusing on short gains (which in itself can be an strategy if that's where the industry is moving. But that that's not where industries are moving these days) So in short, be super clear on your WHY because that'll carry you throughout the journey of transitioning into a business strategy job

I'm not going to lie—getting to a strategic leadership role isn't a walk in the park. It took me a while, but here's what helped: I jumped at every chance to get my hands dirty with real strategy work. I'd volunteer for the messy, complicated projects. It meant longer hours and more stress, but it taught me so much. I also viewed my everyday tasks differently. I'd ask myself,'How does this fit into the big picture? or What happens down the line if we do this? It changed how I saw everything. The cool part? My bosses and colleagues started to notice and listen to my opinions. It's good to hear your boss say, ' You were right.' My advice? It's not about the title. Trust me, actually doing the work beats reading about it any day.

Focusing solely on acquiring knowledge can lead to "paralysis by analysis." While understanding strategic models and frameworks is crucial, practical application often teaches more than any textbook. As Steve Jobs said, "Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower." Dive into real-world scenarios and learn through experience. Knowledge is power, but action is the key to strategic leadership.

Enroll in courses offered by institutions like Harvard Business School or INSEAD on strategic management. Online platforms like Coursera and edX also offer relevant courses. Also, if possible, seek opportunities to work in different departments such as marketing, finance, and operations within your organization. This will give you a holistic view of how various parts of the business interconnect and function, which is crucial for strategic decision-making.

Volunteer to lead or participate in strategic projects within your organization, such as market expansion or digital transformation initiatives.

Relying on networking as a sole strategy can be shortsighted. While connecting with mentors and peers is valuable, genuine influence comes from delivering tangible results. Warren Buffett emphasized, "It's better to hang out with people better than you." Combine networking with a proven track record to open doors naturally. Substance behind connections is what sustains long-term success.

Develop relationships outside of your manager. Don’t assume your manager will tell you how to advance. Your manager may not know the best next step – maybe they are new to the company and parachuted into their senior role. Your manager may not be highly regarded enough to help you – even if your manager knows what you should do, they might not have the influence to help you. Finally, your manager may not want to help – they may be too focused on their own career or want you exactly where you are because you’re too valuable in that role. No one will advocate more diligently and passionately for your career than you will. Are you abdicating the responsibility of managing your career to your manager?

To successfully transition to a leadership position in Business Strategy, Develop Soft Skills is vital. Imagine you're a conductor of an orchestra; it's not just about knowing the music but also about connecting with your musicians. In leadership, soft skills like communication, empathy, and teamwork are crucial. They help you inspire and guide your team effectively. By honing these skills, you can build strong relationships, foster a positive work environment, and lead your team to achieve strategic goals successfully.

Focus on developing soft skills like communication, emotional intelligence, and team management, which are essential for leading a strategy team.

Regularly set aside time to reflect on long-term goals and the broader business environment, perhaps through strategic retreats or dedicated planning sessions.

Thinking strategically without balancing execution leads to vision without action. While long-term planning is essential, strategy must be paired with immediate, impactful actions. Elon Musk's approach combines visionary thinking with relentless execution: "When something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favor." Incorporate flexibility and agility into your strategic mindset. Actionable steps make grand strategies achievable.