Our Favorite Tips for Strategic Thinking
Strategic thinking is at the heart of Business Relationship Management—it’s what sets great BRMs apart as trusted advisors and value drivers.
It’s about seeing beyond immediate needs, connecting the dots across the business, and driving long-term impact. Here are some of our favorite strategic thinking tips to help you shift from tactical execution to big-picture influence!
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Shift from Tactical to Strategic Mindset
BRMs often find themselves caught in the weeds of execution. A strategic BRM deliberately steps back, asking, “How does this align with long-term business objectives?” instead of just solving immediate issues.
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Build a Vision-First Approach
Effective BRMs don’t just react to business needs—they co-create a vision with business partners (you may call them stakeholders). This means engaging in conversations about where the organization wants to be in 3–5 years and aligning relationships and initiatives to that future.
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Master the Art of Asking ‘Why’
Strategic BRMs don’t just take requests or problems at face value. As a BRM you are naturally curious and this means you challenge assumptions by asking:
- Why is this a priority now?
- What is the root cause of this problem?
- What happens if we do nothing?
This ensures you’re searching for the root and not just treating the symptoms.
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Balance Relationships & Results
Strategy isn’t just about business goals—it’s also about people. The best BRMs build strong trust-based relationships so they can influence decisions and drive alignment. Being a strategic thinker means understanding both the business AND the human element.
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Speak the Language of Value
BRMs who think strategically don’t just push IT initiatives—they frame everything in terms of business value. Whether it’s improving customer experience, increasing revenue, or optimizing operations, they ensure that every decision ties back to measurable impact.
6. Simplify Complexity
Great BRMs take complex problems, technologies, and business challenges and translate them into clear, actionable strategies. They help executives and teams see the bigger picture without getting lost in the details.
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Embrace a Continuous Learning Mindset
Strategic BRMs know that stagnation is the enemy of innovation. They continuously expand their knowledge—whether through industry trends, new learning, skills, credentials, or emerging technologies—to bring fresh perspectives and solutions to the table.
8. Use Influence Over Authority
BRMs often don’t have direct control over teams, but they leverage influence, storytelling, and trust to drive change. A strategic BRM understands the power of relationships and collaboration to make things happen.
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Prioritize Ruthlessly
There will always be more work than time. The best BRMs focus on the most impactful initiatives and say no to distractions that don’t align with strategic goals. They help leaders and teams stay focused on what truly matters.
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Lead with Confidence and Courage
Being strategic sometimes means challenging the status quo and making tough calls. The best BRMs have the courage to speak up, push for change, and advocate for bold ideas that drive long-term value results.
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Stay Future-Focused but Action-Oriented
While strategic thinking is about the long game, BRMs also ensure ideas turn into action. They balance vision with execution, ensuring that today’s steps are moving the organization toward thriving in the world of tomorrow.