In a recent coaching session, a newly promoted CFO at a bank told me, “I want to be more strategic, but I feel like I’m drowning in the weeds.”
Knowing being more strategic is a common goal and challenge for executive, I shared an observation. “Often times, we try to use a subtraction method in hopes of being able to be more strategic.”
“But what we if we could turn the whole thing upside down? Instead of subtraction, what if we used an addition method – starting from a clean slate?” I continued.
Seeing him intrigued, I then introduced him to my “Strategic Plate” exercise.
“Pick up a notepad on your desk,” I said. “That’s your plate.”
“On the limited surface space, now place a few small objects on it, one by one, representing the critical few things that ONLY YOU can do.”
Photo: Yan guiding a client through the "strategic plate" exercise.
With a renewed sense of clarity, he pretty quickly decided on the following, grabbing a few items on his desk and putting them on his notepad:
A pen: representing making profit for the bank.
AirPods: representing developing his key people so he can delegate more and elevate to be more strategic
A paperweight: representing managing relationships with the board and stakeholders.
A highlighter: representing managing his own energy so he can bring his best self to every situation
By turning things upside down (using addition vs. subtraction, focusing on what ONLY he can do vs. what he is good at), the new CFO was able to bring out the clarity within him in just a few minutes….
...as a result of this “strategic plate” exercise. Simple. Tangible. Powerful.
Now, it’s your turn.
What’s on YOUR strategic plate?
