Home Strategic thinking is a
deliberate and rational thought process that considers both the immediate
situation and desired long-term results. It is both realistic and
forward-looking , considering both situational constants and the inevitability
of change. The strategic thinker is neither stuck in the present and focused on
tactics, nor stuck in the clouds , envisioning a future without mapping out
steps to success.
Why Strategic Thinking Skills Are Essential to
Strong Leadership
Leadership that focuses on individual “trees” without
taking in a view of the entire “forest” is unlikely to innovate. Myopic
leadership may be fine for the short term , but it doesn’t lay foundations for
a healthy , long-term future. A leader who is skilled at strategic thinking knows
how to do several things competently:
- · Analyse opportunities and vulnerabilities
- · Weigh the feasibility and risk of people’s ideas
- · Understand costs of different choices
- · Estimate the likelihood of success of a long-term endeavour
- · Align short-term objectives with long-term plans
Strategic thinkers with
strong problem-solving skills , who know how to brainstorm , envision
challenges , and delegate tasks effectively can be nearly unstoppable in
fulfilling the organizational vision.
Creating a Culture of Strategic Thinking
Having a global leadership coach skilled
in strategic thinking is good. Having a culture of strategic thinking at every
level of responsibility is significantly better. Leadership is the most
important determinant of organizational culture. Therefore, organizations where
leaders value and practice strategic thinking are likelier to have cultures of
strategic thinking, compared to organizations that do not prioritize strategic
thinking. Leaders must demonstrate the benefits of strategic thinking rather
than just talking about it. For example, they must show how strategic thinking
brings about better decisions.

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