I am told that to be fluent in another language, you have to actually think in that language, not just translate words and phrases. Well, the same is true of tactical and strategic thinking.

Tactical thinkers concentrate on knowing the right answers. Their focus is around the problem they are trying to solve. This is a typical technical approach to client situations and is enjoyed by so many professionals. Technical thinkers believe that their contribution to clients is to solve their problems.

On the other hand, strategic thinkers seek to ask the right questions that affect the long term. Their focus is to see the big picture, looking beyond the current situation. They aren’t bothered by not having the answers and are energized when they can venture into the unknown and connect dots that aren’t even seen by tactical thinkers.
This is an important distinction because professionals like yourself must function in both areas, even though you have a natural proclivity to one area. Here’s an example:

If you lean to tactical thinking, you like to apply your technical knowledge and experience to the assignment, using all the creativity and innovation you can muster. Your view is that knowing the answers is what clients pay for.
If you lean to strategic thinking, you want to understand how completing the assignment fits into the ultimate goals of the client, demonstrating your competence by your insightful and eye-opening questions. To you, knowing the right questions is the value you bring to your clients.

The point here isn’t to elevate one above the other, but the importance to be fluent in both. The more tactical you are, the more you will value the details, “what ifs,” and “exactly how do you want this?” The more strategic you are, the more you value knowing where your client wants to go—what’s the endgame. Both are necessary; neither is sufficient by itself.

This week, be aware of how you engage your assignments, remembering that high-performing professionals have developed their fluency to think in each, depending on the needs of the client and the situation at hand.