Strategist
Compare courses of action and make trade-offs visible.
Meaning
Compare courses of action and make trade-offs visible.
Constructive expression
Connects choices to a coherent objective.
When taken too far
Planning can assume more certainty than is available.
Communication
Exchange interpretations and check that terms mean the same thing.
A question to explore
Which assumption would change our direction?
A first activity
Compare two directions and name what would make you choose the other one.
What makes this distinct
Strategist emphasizes: Compare courses of action and make trade-offs visible. Commander instead emphasizes: Take explicit responsibility for a chosen course of action. Both retain the Dominion House context.
Scope
An interpretive perspective for reflection. It does not establish ability, profession, hidden motives or a relationship outcome.
Core
Focus
Compare courses of action and make trade-offs visible.
Choosing a next step
Use a current personal example to explore this emphasis: Compare courses of action and make trade-offs visible. Ask yourself: Which decision is yours to make and explain?
Pace and change
Begin with one manageable reflection or action. Compare two courses of action and make the trade-off visible.
Communication
When explaining your own perspective, try this general Strategist guidance: Exchange interpretations and check that terms mean the same thing. Check it against the experience you chose.
Possible contribution
Compare courses of action and make trade-offs visible.
A point to consider
A general Strategist caution to consider in core: Planning can assume more certainty than is available. Check whether it is relevant to the actual situation before applying it.
A practical step
Compare two courses of action and make the trade-off visible.
A useful distinction
Strategist in core: Compare courses of action and make trade-offs visible. Commander in core: Take explicit responsibility for a chosen course of action.
Scope
An interpretive perspective for reflection. It does not establish ability, profession, hidden motives or a relationship outcome.
Work
Focus
Comparing strategic choices and making their implications clear to stakeholders.
Choosing a next step
Choose the next contribution by the actual task and responsibilities. Comparing strategic choices and making their implications clear to stakeholders. A useful check is: Who owns the trade-off, and who needs to be consulted?
Pace and change
Set a review point around one practical contribution rather than assuming this lens determines everyone's pace. Explain a strategic choice, its uncertainty and its effect on stakeholders.
Communication
For a work discussion, adapt this general guidance: Exchange interpretations and check that terms mean the same thing. Clarify the decision, its owner and any remaining uncertainty.
Possible contribution
Comparing strategic choices and making their implications clear to stakeholders.
A point to consider
A general Strategist caution to consider in work: Planning can assume more certainty than is available. Check whether it is relevant to the actual situation before applying it.
A practical step
Explain a strategic choice, its uncertainty and its effect on stakeholders.
A useful distinction
Strategist in work: Comparing strategic choices and making their implications clear to stakeholders. Commander in work: Clarifying decision responsibility and needed input when action carries significant consequences.
Scope
An interpretive perspective for reflection. It does not establish ability, profession, hidden motives or a relationship outcome.
Connection
Focus
Connecting through respect, ideas and shared ambition.
Choosing a next step
Ask what both people want before adopting a shared pattern. Connecting through respect, ideas and shared ambition. Explore: Where do you want autonomy, and where do you want a shared choice?
Pace and change
Agree the pace with the other person; either person can decline or revise the arrangement. Discuss shared ambition while asking which aims are genuinely shared.
Communication
Use this general guidance as an invitation, not an assumption about the other person: Exchange interpretations and check that terms mean the same thing. Ask whether your understanding fits.
Possible contribution
Connecting through respect, ideas and shared ambition.
A point to consider
A general Strategist caution to consider in connection: Planning can assume more certainty than is available. Check whether it is relevant to the actual situation before applying it.
A practical step
Discuss shared ambition while asking which aims are genuinely shared.
A useful distinction
Strategist in connection: Connecting through respect, ideas and shared ambition. Commander in connection: Expressing commitment through dependable action while respecting mutual choice.
Scope
An interpretive perspective for reflection. It does not establish ability, profession, hidden motives or a relationship outcome.
Growth
Focus
Pairing strategy with transparent intentions and follow-through.
Choosing a next step
Begin with the person's chosen development goal. Pairing strategy with transparent intentions and follow-through. Ask: Would you like to practise delegating, deciding, or inviting challenge?
Pace and change
Try one bounded change and assess its usefulness before taking on more. State your intention openly and complete one action that makes it credible.
Communication
Explain the support you want using this general guidance where it fits: Exchange interpretations and check that terms mean the same thing. State what you want to change and what you want to keep.
Possible contribution
Pairing strategy with transparent intentions and follow-through.
A point to consider
A general Strategist caution to consider in growth: Planning can assume more certainty than is available. Check whether it is relevant to the actual situation before applying it.
A practical step
State your intention openly and complete one action that makes it credible.
A useful distinction
Strategist in growth: Pairing strategy with transparent intentions and follow-through. Commander in growth: Inviting challenge and distributing decision authority.
Scope
An interpretive perspective for reflection. It does not establish ability, profession, hidden motives or a relationship outcome.