Recently, we were hired to complete a competency map for a publicly traded company. For those of you who may not be familiar with a competency map, it is a document that describes the skills, knowledge, and behaviors associated with a specific job or role within an organization. Typically, it defines the competency in a few sentences, and then lists specific knowledge or behaviors associated with the competency definition, often called knowledge or behavioral anchors.

For senior level positions, the competencies tends to be broad skills$/$knowledge such as presentation skills, people management, political acuity, business acumen, comfort with ambiguity, strategic thinking, etc.. For each of the competencies, there are $5-7$ behavioral anchors.

One such competency that is very frequently found in leadership competency maps is Strategic Thinking. However, with this client, they requested that the competency be titled "Acting Strategically." In other words, the behavioral anchors should not be knowledge based, but instead, if possible, observable behaviors. The task was completed, but engendered much discussion, debate and thoughts among the consulting team as to what would an organization look for in an individual that indicates how well that person is acting strategically.

Below is a subset of the behavioral anchors that were included:

Actively solicits opposing ideas to test one$$s own strategy, projects, or initiatives.

Communicates the linkages between one$$s own major activities and priorities, and the organization$$s strategic objectives.

Prioritizes initiatives or strategic plans based on business impact, risk, and resources.

There were $5$ other behaviors that were included.

Your assignment:

$1)$ Develop a $2-3$ sentence definition of acting strategically.

$2)$ Develop $5$ other behavioral anchors to add to the ones noted above.

$3)$ Is there really a difference between strategic thinking as a competency and acting strategically? Why or why not?