
In my recent video, I shared how asking "What are we trying to achieve?" can transform tactical requests into strategic conversations. But there's more to permanently shifting from order taker to advisor. Let me share three advanced strategies that build on that foundation.
Here's something I've learned the hard way: Being seen as an order taker isn't just about how others treat you – it's about how you position yourself. Every interaction is an opportunity to reshape that perception.
Let me share three advanced strategies I didn't have time to cover in the video:
1. Build Your Business Acumen Those strategic conversations we talked about? They're much more powerful when you understand the business context. Make it a habit to:
Read your company's quarterly earnings reports (yes, even if you're private)
Follow your industry's key trends and challenges
Know your organization's top 3-5 priorities cold
When someone asks for a newsletter, you can tie your questions directly to these priorities. "How will this help us achieve our goal of improving customer retention?" suddenly makes you sound less like a publisher and more like a business partner.
2. Bring Solutions, Not Just Questions
While the video focused on asking better questions, the real power move is bringing prepared solutions. Before your next stakeholder meeting, draft three scenarios:
The quick win (if we must)
The strategic approach (what we should do)
The game-changing option (if we think bigger)
Present these with projected outcomes and required resources. You're no longer taking orders – you're consulting on communication strategy.
3. Connect the Dots Here's a power move – be the person who spots opportunities for collaboration between stakeholders. When HR is planning a wellness initiative and Operations is working on productivity improvements, you might see the connection they don't. Instead of taking two separate orders, you can suggest combining efforts for bigger impact.
I call this "strategic matchmaking." By understanding multiple stakeholders' goals, you can identify overlapping initiatives, reduce communication fatigue, and create stronger outcomes. Plus, you position yourself as someone who sees the bigger picture – not just an email sender.
Your Turn This week, pick one tactical request and run it through these three filters. What business priority does it support? What other initiatives might align with this one? What are three possible approaches?
Share your experience with me. I'd love to hear how it goes.
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