Senior IT executives have heard ad nauseum by now that they should focus on their company's big picture and not just the nitty gritty of technology, but it's easier said than done.

The trick, according to Joshua Ehrlich, founder of the Global Leadership Council, is to know how to manage your attention, or "mindshift."

The first step toward spending more time on strategy is "learning how to stop the action," Ehrlich writes in a post at Harvard Business Review. You have to set aside time for strategic thinking, but that alone is not enough. Ehrlich spells out five rules to get beyond mundane tasks and think about the big picture. He directs his advice at CEOs, but if CIOs are supposed to be thinking about the company's broad goals and strategies, the tips apply to you as well.

The first rule is to not try to do everything yourself. When it comes to administrative chores and useless meetings, you have to know how to say "no." You also have to have a strong team you can turn to for help. 

Second, Ehrlich recommends learning how to quiet the mind, which is important in prompting creative thinking when it comes to problem-solving. "Mindfulness also helps you tolerate anxiety and discomfort," he writes, adding that this makes it easier to take risks.

The third rule is to let your ideas "percolate." Keeping a journal and spending time reflecting on ideas can be helpful, as can finding peers and mentors to help develop ideas.

Fourth, make sure your ideas are articulated clearly and in a compelling way. "Half the battle with strategic thinking is conveying your vision--where you want to take your business--and conveying it clearly," he writes.

Finally, stay flexible enough to adjust your strategy as needed. You may not always hit the mark, so use those times as an opportunity to refine your ideas and learn more.

For more:
- see Joshua Ehrlich's article at Harvard Business Review

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