Why Being a "Strategic Doer" Matters

Someone Once Called Me a Strategic Doer—What Does That Mean?

The phrase "strategic doer" caught me off guard when I first heard it. I’ve been called many things in my life—some complimentary, some less so—but this one intrigued me. At first glance, it seemed almost like a contradiction. Strategy is typically associated with high-level planning and thinking, while "doing" implies action and execution. But when I sat with it for a while, I realized it perfectly captured the essence of how I approach life and work.

The Balance of Strategy and Action

We all know people who are great planners, the ones who can see the big picture, analyze trends, and come up with long-term strategies. They’re visionaries, and we need them. But let’s be honest—sometimes their ideas stay just that: ideas. Then, on the other side, you’ve got the doers, the people who execute, make things happen, and are incredible at the day-to-day hustle. These are the problem solvers, the people who roll up their sleeves. But without a clear direction, sometimes their actions can feel aimless.

Being a "strategic doer" means I live in that sweet spot where the two worlds intersect. It’s about creating a clear, visionary plan—but not stopping there. It’s about rolling up my sleeves and taking tangible steps to bring that vision to life.

Why Being a Strategic Doer Matters

In today’s fast-paced world, ideas are everywhere. You can sit in any coffee shop and overhear brilliant ideas being discussed over lattes. But how many of those ideas actually come to fruition? That’s where strategic doers shine. We don’t just create a roadmap; we drive down the road. We balance the "what" with the "how" and get things done.

Being a strategic doer means:

1. Vision with Practicality: You can see the future, but you also understand what needs to be done right now to get there.

2. Adaptability: You plan, but you're not rigid. You understand that execution requires flexibility, and plans may need to evolve as challenges arise.

3. Ownership: You don’t delegate responsibility. Instead, you take full ownership of your vision, tracking its progress every step of the way.

4. Sustained Momentum: Strategic doers are committed to maintaining forward momentum. We take consistent action, keeping our eyes on the bigger picture while handling daily operations.

The Challenges of Being a Strategic Doer

Being both strategic and a doer isn’t always easy. One of the biggest challenges is that you’re constantly balancing two seemingly opposite skill sets. Sometimes, it feels like I’m a bridge between dreamers and doers, translating visions into actionable steps, or sometimes explaining that we need to slow down to plan before executing.

Additionally, this duality means I often need to wear different hats in the same day—spending time creating long-term goals and then diving into the trenches to make sure those goals are being implemented. The temptation can sometimes be to lean too heavily on one side, to get lost in high-level thinking or bogged down in day-to-day tasks. But keeping both in balance is where the magic happens.

Transitioning to a “Doer” Role

Recently, I decided to step down the strategic part of my career and focus more on the doer role. After years of balancing both sides, it felt like the right time to shift gears and immerse myself more in execution. It has been refreshing to dive into the tangible, hands-on aspects of work without always needing to focus on the bigger picture. There’s something incredibly satisfying about being in the moment, focusing on the tasks at hand, and knowing that the immediate impact is coming from your direct actions.

However, there are many times when I feel myself being pulled toward the strategic side. Old habits die hard! There’s a natural inclination to want to step back, assess the broader vision, and create long-term plans. But I quickly remind myself that’s no longer my role, and I pull back. Staying focused on the doer elements can be challenging, but it’s also deeply satisfying for my current needs in life.

Why This Balance Matters Right Now

This shift to a more hands-on role has given me clarity. While strategy was once a major part of my identity, this focus on execution has been what I’ve needed at this point in my life. There’s a different kind of fulfillment in being able to see the immediate results of your work. Even though I feel the occasional tug toward strategy, I know that by staying present in the doing, I’m satisfying a new and important chapter of my personal and professional journey.

Whether as a strategic doer or as a full-fledged doer, it’s about finding the role that fits you best in the moment and embracing it fully. For me, right now, that means staying grounded in action.