When it comes to what a strategy is, it can be simply defined as the determination of a way to succeed in a particular period. According to Hill et al. (2020), strategy is realized on the basis of a firm’s organizational arrangements and measures taken at the functional level. To create necessary strategic change, the function of strategic leadership needs to be utilized. It is multi-functional at its core and involves the management of an organization, the management and empowerment of others, and the handling of the ever-increasing change in the global economy.
Strategic leaders’ work is complex, challenging, and requires balancing the achievement of short-term goals with long-term ones. Regardless of the longevity of their stay in the position, strategic leaders significantly influence business performance. In terms of the qualities and behaviors of such a leader, first of all, they need to be able to attract human capital. According to One Strategy (2021), this is critical because the lack of capable employees hampers the growth of organizations. Moreover, strategic leaders must know how to impact people’s behavior and be a source of hope and reassurance in uncertain times. Effective leaders have a significant influence on the thoughts, feelings, and, as a consequence, actions of those who work with them, ensuring a company’s success.
In addition to that, strategic leaders are to have the skill to create and subsequently support an environment in which stakeholders can work with maximum effectiveness. An appropriate context for human capital to thrive must be established and nurtured for a business to succeed. Considering how the essence of strategic leadership is the ability to maintain an organization’s high performance, it is a strategic leader’s role.
References
Hill, C. W. L., Jones, G. R., & Schilling, M A. (2020). Strategic management theory: An integrated approach (13th ed). Cengage Learning.
One Strategy. (2021). Leadership in strategic implementation.