3 Shifts to Help Build Strategic Presence at Work
Some people are naturally wired to focus on the finer details. Others are instinctively drawn to the bigger picture.
This isn't just about skill — it's about what unconsciously motivates us.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve felt most at home in the strategic zone. I’m energised by patterns, systems, context, and long-range thinking. The big picture excites me.
The flip side? The smaller, repetitive details can feel like a grind. (Let’s just say reconciling my Xero accounts rarely gets me in flow!)
I see this dynamic all the time in coaching — and it's often the source of frustration for emerging leaders. They’re highly capable, consistently dependable, and known for getting things done. But now, they want to be recognised not just as a safe pair of hands, but as someone who can think ahead, offer insight, and contribute strategically.
The good news?
You don’t have to stay in one zone.
Shifting from task-focused to strategic isn’t about changing who you are. It’s about becoming more intentional about how you show up.
Whether you’re naturally detail-oriented or strategically inclined, here are three powerful shifts you can make to strengthen your leadership presence — without pretending to be someone you’re not.
Shift 1: Zoom out before you zoom in
Strategic thinkers don’t rush to conclusions — they start with curiousity.
Before offering a solution or jumping into action, pause and ask:
What problem are we actually solving?
How does this connect to broader organisational goals?
What’s at stake if we do (or don’t) address this now?
This kind of thinking reframes your contributions. You’re not just solving a task — you’re showing leadership by bringing clarity, context, and critical thinking into the conversation.
Shift 2: Speak to impact, not just action
It’s a subtle tweak in language, but it shifts how others see you.
Instead of:
“I finished the report.”
Try:
“This report highlights where our delays are occurring, which helps us make more informed resourcing decisions next quarter.”
You’re still demonstrating delivery — but you’re connecting your work to business value. And that’s what leaders do.
Shift 3: Influence across, not just up
When people think about “being strategic,” they often imagine impressing executives or winning over senior leaders. But real influence doesn’t only flow upward.
Your leadership voice is also shaped by how your peers experience you.
Do they see you as someone who:
Thinks beyond their role?
Understands the wider system?
Considers how decisions ripple across teams?
Leadership isn’t just about hierarchy. It’s about how you hold space in the room — any room.
Strategic presence can be learned
Some people may be naturally drawn to strategy, while others find joy in details. Neither is better — both are essential. But if you’re ready to step into a more strategic identity, it starts with conscious shifts.
You don’t need to be louder. You don’t need a new job title.
But you do need to show you’re thinking bigger.
And when you do, people will start to see you differently.
Want help getting started?
If this shift resonates and you're not sure where to begin, I’d be happy to send you a few practical prompts to help you build strategic visibility in your current role.
Just send me a message or drop a comment below — and I’ll share some ideas you can use straight away.