Why Every Great Business Leader Should Think Like a Great Dad

A great father thinks not just about today, but five, ten, even twenty years into the future. From instilling values at an early age to saving for college, fatherhood is rooted in having a solid vision and laying the foundation now so his children can thrive later.

Interestingly, this same forward-thinking and nurturing mindset is essential in corporate strategy. In multibusiness companies, a strong parent organisation guides, supports, and helps their individual businesses grow stronger over time. This can be achieved by encouraging stronger collaboration between them, offering high-quality support services, and making smart decisions about acquisitions, divestments, and new ventures.

Strategic Imagination

Just as a father envisions the kind of person his child will grow up to be, business leaders must imagine the future of their company. What does success look like five years from now? Are you cultivating a lasting culture? Positioning your company as a market leader? Becoming the employer of choice in your industry?

This kind of long-term thinking empowers leaders to move beyond short-term wins and develop a strategic roadmap that transforms vision into purposeful, measurable action

Planning Is Personal

Just as every family is unique, so too is each company’s journey toward strategic planning. Some businesses focus on increasing profitability, others aspire to become industry leaders, and some prioritise cultivating a world-class team culture.

No matter the destination, the key to progress is alignment, ensuring that everyone is moving in the same direction. That requires clearly articulating the vision and crafting an action plan that aligns people, resources, and daily decisions with long-term objectives.

Build a Legacy, Not Just a Business

Fathers raise their children with one goal in mind: to help them thrive independently. In the same way, visionary business leaders plan for a future where the company can succeed even without them at the helm. They build systems, mentor future leaders, and ensure the organisation remains resilient, relevant, and guided by purpose.

Whether you’re leading a single business or overseeing a diverse portfolio, long-term strategic planning is your legacy in the making!

Sources:

1. https://hbr.org/1995/03/corporate-strategy-the-quest-for-parenting-advantage
2. https://www.mercadien.com/resource/the-importance-of-long-term-strategic-planning/
3. https://health.ucdavis.edu/children/patient-education/Positive-Parenting

Disclaimer:

The information provided is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice. While we have taken care to check the source of the information, we cannot guarantee that the information is accurate, complete, or will suit your individual financial needs. You are advised to seek professional assistance.