Janine Stratford: Strategic Thinking & What Got You Here Won't Get You There | Episode 166

“When we skip the thinking, we often create more work for ourselves.” Janine Stratford

When was the last time you gave yourself time to think?

In this episode, Meg Durham sits down with Janine Stratford, author of Leading for Tomorrow, Today: School Leadership with Purpose, Alignment and Lasting Impact, to explore the role of strategic thinking in the day-to-day reality of school life.

This conversation moves beyond strategic plans and leadership meetings, focusing instead on the ability of individual educators to think strategically within the pace and pressure of everyday school environments.

Together, they unpack the difference between fast, reactive thinking and slower, more considered thinking, and why the pressure to respond quickly can often lead to rework, frustration and unnecessary emotional load.

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Chapter Markers:

00:00 Introduction02:00 What sparked Janine’s work in strategic thinking05:00 The cost of quick decision-making07:00 What strategic thinking actually is10:00 Common myths about strategic thinking14:00 The benefits of thinking strategically21:00 Why leaders struggle to step back26:00 Creating space for strategic thinking36:00 What to do in your 20-minute thinking block42:00 Final reflections----

Reflection Prompts:

I notice that I tend to rush decisions when…One area of my work that could benefit from more strategic thinking is…If I created 20 minutes to think this week, I would focus on…----

Episode 166 Shownotes - Click here

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