Strategic Vision vs. Tactical Execution: How to Lead STEM Teams to Success

Author: Garima Vyas 

Fundraising Chairperson, AWIS Houston

Practice Director, Indigo Beam

Dec 20, 2024

Hi, I’m Garima, and over my 15+ years in STEM and tech leadership, I always ask myself this question frequently: How do you lead a team without losing sight of the big picture?

Balancing strategy and execution is like trying to see both the forest and the trees at the same time. It’s one of the most challenging aspects of leadership, especially in STEM, where complexity and precision often intersect.

What’s the secret to balancing both?

It starts with the understanding that neither strategic vision nor tactical execution can stand alone. Long-term goals without practical steps are just dreams. And daily tasks without a broader purpose are just busy work.

So, how do we strike the right balance?

Here are some of the lessons I’ve learned:

1. Stay Agile, But Keep Your Goals Steady

Ever had a carefully crafted plan that had to be thrown out the window? Of course you have. STEM projects are full of twists. The key isn’t just changing direction—it’s doing so while staying true to the core of your vision.

A few years ago, I worked on a project that required us to pivot multiple times. Each time, we adapted our approach, but the overall objective—delivering value to the end user—never wavered. That’s the art of balancing strategy with execution: you adjust, but you don’t lose focus.

2. When Things Get Messy, Be the Compass.

What happens when short-term tasks and long-term strategies start to clash?

It’s natural—when timelines tighten or when experiments don’t go as planned, chaos can set in. I recall a project where our execution plan hit unexpected roadblocks. Everyone started focusing on patching issues, but we lost sight of what we were actually trying to accomplish. That’s when I realized my role wasn’t to pick up every dropped ball—it was to point us back toward our North Star.

When the going gets tough, remind your team of the “why.” It keeps people motivated and ensures the short-term firefighting doesn’t derail long-term success.

3. Connect Today’s Efforts to Tomorrow’s Vision.

In the fast-paced world of STEM, it’s easy to get lost in the details. But every detail—every experiment, every calculation—needs to contribute to a larger goal. I once led a team developing a new data analysis tool. The project was massive, and it was tempting to focus only on immediate milestones. But every few weeks, we’d step back and ask ourselves: how does this feature align with our end goal?

That simple question kept us grounded. It ensured every small win moved us closer to something meaningful. For your team, this could mean regularly reminding members how their work contributes to the bigger mission, or just taking time to celebrate how a completed task advances your project’s purpose.

Why does this balance matter for women in STEM?

Because we’re often managing more than just projects. We’re managing perceptions, breaking barriers, and showing the next generation what real leadership looks like.

Navigating between long-term goals and immediate tasks requires resilience, clarity, and a willingness to embrace change. And when we do it well, we create environments where our teams can not only survive but thrive. As Grace Hopper said, “The most dangerous phrase is ‘we’ve always done it this way.’” True progress comes from daring to challenge old habits while keeping a steady eye on the future.

Final Thoughts: Navigating Both Worlds

Strategic vision without execution is like setting sail without knowing how to steer. Execution without vision is rowing endlessly with no destination in sight. The magic happens when we navigate both worlds—combining our dreams with the steps needed to get there.

At AWIS Houston, we’re committed to helping women in STEM grow their leadership skills, find their voices, and achieve their career goals. Balancing strategy and execution is just one part of the journey—but mastering it can be the key to real, lasting success.

Written by Garima Vyas, a seasoned leader in the product and tech industry, former President, and current Fundraising Chairperson of AWIS Houston. Garima is passionate about advocating for women in STEM and helping them succeed through self-advocacy, mentorship, and continuous learning.

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