Strategic leadership is a practice in which executive leaders navigate a company through challenges and organizational change toward long-term goals. Strategic [leaders](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-be-an-effective-leader) understand an organization’s structure, employ analytical decision-making to achieve goals, and create a vision for the future with an aligned and trusting team. Essentially, strategic leaders look at the big picture. Strategic leaders are skilled at balancing success in daily tasks with long-term goal achievement. Eight key characteristics allow strategic leaders to optimize organizational structure and work with their teams to achieve goals. 1. __Empathetic__: Good strategic leaders must be willing to put themselves in their employees’ shoes. Empathizing with team members at all levels of the organization leads to realistic goal-setting and greater trust among the team. 2. __Open-minded__: Senior leaders who are skilled in strategic thinking encourage multiple viewpoints that challenge their assumptions. They invite others to question their decisions and are open-minded when considering conflicting views. 3. __Diplomatic__: Conflict among employees is inevitable in leadership, so it is essential that strategic leaders practice diplomacy. They must be skilled at solving problems through [negotiation](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/tactics-to-help-you-become-a-better-negotiator). 4. __Forward-thinking__: Strategic management requires the ability to anticipate challenges before they occur. Strategic leaders must proactively scan the market environment for new business opportunities that increase profitability and give their company a competitive advantage over rivals. 5. __Analytical__: Challenging the status quo will often lead to ambiguous data. Strategic leaders must know how to interpret complex information. They must analyze conflicting opinions and uncover patterns that will lead to new answers to complicated issues. 6. __Confident__: Strategic leadership requires a balance of speed, precision, and confidence while making difficult decisions, often with limited time or information. 7. __Enthusiastic__: In order to gain buy-in from employees, strategic leaders must successfully convey their passion for the organization’s mission. They know that overall success is dependent on the entire team backing a common goal. Leading by example is essential. 8. __Self-aware__: One of the hallmarks of strategic thinkers is an openness to learn from successes and failures. Humility is critical, as is a willingness to question long-held practices, share successes, and admit to making mistakes. As you work toward becoming a strategic leader, ask yourself if you are practicing these five techniques in your organization: 1. __Invite innovative thinking__. Work to facilitate a safe place for open dialogue. Encouraging an employee to share ideas will influence others to do the same. Create channels for your team members to share ideas for innovation, which might include forum spaces or new initiatives like mentorship programs. 2. __Create a culture of authenticity__. Without an open flow of information, employees may lack the confidence to challenge a leader or offer a differing opinion. To improve everyday practices, focus on transparency, and create a work environment where people come together to solve problems. 3. __Allow for failure__. Some of the most important lessons come from failures, and failure can also lead to new ideas. Make sure you encourage a willingness to admit failures early among your employees so that they can recover quickly and begin new ventures. 4. __Reflect on your mistakes__. Ask yourself why you made a failing decision and evaluate what you would do differently next time. Decide how you will apply this knowledge when making choices in the future. 5. __Cultivate opportunities for future strategic leaders__. A leader should be open to cultivating opportunities for others to grow. They know they do not have all the answers and must allow their team members to offer expertise. Pay attention to your employees’ competencies, and if they exhibit signs of strategic thinking, offer leadership development. Get the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) for exclusive access to video lessons taught by business luminaries, including Howard Schultz, Chris Voss, Robin Roberts, Sara Blakely, Daniel Pink, Bob Iger, Anna Wintour, and more. If you are a senior leader, you must understand the fundamentals of strategic leadership to meet long-term goals.