unit logo

Strategic Thinking*

The ability to clarify and articulate direction, priorities, and a shared vision.

*This competency is part of the Management and Leadership Competencies at UF

Behavior Statements

Proficiency Level 1 - Basic understanding

Identifies the key elements of the business strategy.

Demonstrates the ability to articulate how own work supports the business strategy.

Explains how a sense of competition with industry counterparts can motivate greater productivity.

Seeks help to clarify elements of the strategy that are beyond the group's influence.

Proficiency Level 2 - Working experience

Implements the group's go-to-market strategy.

Makes sound recommendations when faced with complex and contradictory alternatives.

Raises awareness of potential strategic alliances and partnerships.

Explains elements of the strategy to others and encourages questions.

Monitors marketplace trends, opportunities, and vulnerabilities; reports findings.

Proficiency Level 3 - Extensive experience

Prepares the group's response to key marketplace trends, opportunities, and vulnerabilities.

Makes sound business decisions on behalf of the group when faced with complex and contradictory alternatives.

Directs strategic alliances and partnerships for mutual benefit.

Recommends ways to position the organization for long-term competitiveness.

Interprets available data and analyses when creating business plans.

Builds the strategic thinking capability of the group.

Proficiency Level 4 - Subject matter depth and breadth

Positions the company in anticipation of new marketplace trends, opportunities, and vulnerabilities.

Makes sound business decisions when faced with complex and contradictory alternatives.

Develops long-term strategic alliances and partnerships that increase the company's competitive advantage.

Equips the organization to become an effective long-term competitor.

Prepares for business decisions with thorough briefings and consultations.

Helps navigate the organization in a dynamic competitive landscape.

Interview Questions

  • What are some of the critical business drivers in this company/your current employer?
  • What are some ways in which you or your team has compensated for organizational weaknesses?
  • Thinking about how the business climate is changing, what strategic opportunities can you identify?
  • If a new competitor entered your market, what competitive response would you recommend to your executive team?

Titles with Shared Competencies

Assistant Dean Assistant Dean, Student Affairs Assistant Director, Academic Advising Assistant Director, Academic Support Services Assistant Director, Accounting Assistant Director, Administrative Services Assistant Director, Admissions Assistant Director, Analytic Services Assistant Director, Business Services Assistant Director, Career Services Assistant Director, Child Development Assistant Director, Clinical Research Assistant Director, Communications Assistant Director, Conferences Assistant Director, Data Management Assistant Director, Education or Training Programs Assistant Director, Emergency Management Assistant Director, Environmental Health & Safety Assistant Director, Facilities Operations Assistant Director, Finance Assistant Director, Florida Agricultural Experiment Station Assistant Director, Health Care Administration Assistant Director, Human Resources Assistant Director, Marketing Assistant Director, Multipurpose Facility Assistant Director, Museum Operations Assistant Director, Operations Assistant Director, Physical Security Assistant Director, Procurement Assistant Director, Public/Governmental Relations Assistant Director, Real Estate Assistant Director, Research Administration Assistant Director, Safety & Security Assistant Director, Student Affairs Assistant Director, Student Financial Aid Assistant Director, Technology Licensing Assistant Director, University Budgets Assistant Director, University Housing Assistant Director, University Housing Operations Assistant Director, University Housing Residence Life Assistant Director, University Press Assistant University Registrar Associate Dean, Administrative Affairs Associate Dean, Student Affairs Associate Director, Academic Advising Associate Director, Academic Support Services Associate Director, Accounting Associate Director, Administrative Services Associate Director, Admissions Associate Director, Analytic Services Associate Director, Business Services Associate Director, Career Services Associate Director, Child Development Associate Director, Clinical Research Associate Director, Communications Associate Director, Data Management Associate Director, Education or Training Programs Associate Director, Environmental Health & Safety Associate Director, Facilities Operations Associate Director, Finance Associate Director, Health Care Administration Associate Director, Human Resources Associate Director, IT Associate Director, Marketing Associate Director, Museum Operations Associate Director, Operations Associate Director, Procurement Associate Director, Public/Governmental Relations Associate Director, Research Administration Associate Director, Safety & Security Associate Director, Student Affairs Associate Director, Student Financial Aid Associate Director, Student Legal Services Associate Director, Technology Licensing Associate Director, University Housing Associate Director, University Housing Operations Associate Director, University Housing Residence Life Associate Director, University Press Associate University Registrar Chief Information Security Officer Controller Director, Academic Advising Director, Academic Support Services Director, Accounting Director, Administrative Services Director, Admissions Director, Analytic Services Director, Audits Director, Business Services Director, Campus Human Resources Director, Campus IT Director, Career Services Director, Child Development Director, Clinical Research Director, Collaborative Initiatives Director, Communications Director, Education or Training Programs Director, Environmental Health & Safety Director, Facilities Operations Director, Finance Director, Health Care Administration Director, Human Resources Director, Investigations Director, IT Director, Marketing Director, Multipurpose Facility Director, Museum Operations Director, Operations Director, Procurement Director, Public Records Director, Public/Governmental Relations Director, Real Estate Director, Research Administration Director, Safety & Security Director, Sales & Marketing Director, Student Affairs Director, Student Financial Aid Director, Student Legal Services Director, Sustainability Director, University Budgets Director, University Housing Director, University Housing Operations Director, University Housing Residence Life Director, University Press Director, Utilities/Energy Thermal Production Executive Director Financial Officer, SIP Manager, Academic Support Services Manager, Accounting Manager, Assets Manager, Benefits Manager, Box Office Manager, Clinical Research Manager, Employee Relations Manager, Farm Manager, Finance Manager, Genetic Counseling Manager, Health Care Administration Manager, Health Information Manager, Hotel Manager, Human Resources Manager, Human Resources Processing & Records Manager, Immigration Services Manager, Internal Audits Manager, IT Manager, Marine Facilities & Operations Manager, Operations Manager, Postal Services Manager, Procurement Manager, Public/Governmental Relations Manager, Transportation Manager, University Records Manager, Warehouse/Stores Senior Director, Facilities Operations Senior Director, IT Senior Director, Student Affairs Superintendent, Custodial Superintendent, Grounds Superintendent, Maintenance University Architect University Registrar