In episode 72, Coffey kicks off a year-end series of conversations on New Year’s resolutions for people leaders. This week, he talks with Richard Medcalf about making time for strategic thinking throughout 2023.

They discuss the difference between tactics and strategy; the challenges leaders face in setting aside time to think about strategy; Richard’s #1 key performance indicator for leaders; Richard’s simplified definition of strategy; the importance of “the project no one is asking for”; and how to address the four issues leaders face in making time for strategy: tactics, influence, mindset, and environment.

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About our Guest:

Richard Medcalf describes himself as "what you get if you were to put a McKinsey consultant, a slightly unorthodox pastor and an entrepreneur into a blender". He is the founder of Xquadrant and a trusted advisor to exceptional CEOs and entrepreneurs, and their leadership teams.

Information about his latest book, Making Time for Strategy, can be found at https://MakingTimeForStrategy.com. 

Richard Medcalf can be reached at 

https://xquadrant.com/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardmedcalf

About Mike Coffey:

Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, human resources professional, licensed private investigator, and HR consultant.

In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations firm helping risk-averse companies make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.

Today, Imperative serves hundreds of businesses across the US and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.

Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence and has twice been named HR Professional of the Year.

Additionally, Imperative is included in the prestigious Best Places to Work in Texas list and has been named the Texas Association of Business’ small business of the year.

Mike is a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization and volunteers with the SHRM Texas State Council.

Mike maintains his certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute. He is also a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).

Mike lives in Fort Worth with his very patient wife. He practices yoga and maintains a keto diet, about both of which he will gladly tell you way more than you want to know.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Define strategic thinking.
2. Address the four issues leaders face in making time for strategy.
3. Effectively plan strategic-thinking sessions.