Most of the professional women I coach, whether  entrepreneurs or corporate executives, are driven. I recognize certain characteristics that accompany this drive. Very often these type A personalities are totally focused on the work at hand and  tend to be more reactive than proactive. Head down and nose to the grindstone.

Does this sound familiar?

If this is true for you, I would like to ask you, where are you driving and most importantly, who is driving?

The benefit of strategic thinking is to step out of your box and look objectively at yourself and your career. Strategic thinking moves you from reactive to proactive, is future/goal oriented, and allows you to see the bigger picture.

It is important to take the time to identify who you are. What are your strengths? How have these strengths helped you past positions and how are they helping you now?

What are some of your recent accomplishments and what do they say about you?

Create your own brand message and connect with your value and talent. This is who you are and what you need to communicate to others about yourself. Be clear about what you  want  others to know about you.

Next, identify where you are headed. What is your career goal? Who are the key influencers you need to be in front of in order for you to reach your goal?

Create an action plan to be visible and credible with these key people.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking your career will just happen without good planning and strategic thinking.

Who’s Driving? Know yourself. Be clear on your personal message and what you want people to know about you.

Where are you Driving? What is your goal? Who needs to know more about  you for you to reach your goal and create an action plan for ongoing communication of who you are and your personal brand message.