Welcome back to the show! Today, we're diving into how to effectively choose where your team should focus their effort, especially at the start of a new fiscal year.

Strategy can often feel like a top-down thing—big ideas from the C-suite trickle down, and it’s easy to feel out of the loop. But here’s the trick: by understanding the company's strategic goals and having open conversations with your boss, you can find gaps and even inject your own projects that support the bigger picture.

Once you’re aligned, turning strategy into action is the next step. I recommend using a simplified version of Teresa Torres’s opportunity solution tree. Start by linking broad actions—like automating processes or cutting costs—to your strategic goal. Gather your team’s ideas, filter out the fluff, and then focus on quick proofs of concept. This way, you turn vague ideas into tangible projects that deliver value fast.

So, next time you’re deciding where to put your team’s effort, remember: connect with strategy, collaborate on ideas, and test quickly. Your efforts will be sharper—and more impactful. Thanks for listening!