12 Nov 2018 Becoming A Strategic Thinker
Strategic Thinking is not the same as Strategic Planning. The latter is a formal process of developing an organization’s future business plans.
Strategic Thinking is a process of thinking about a situation or a dilemma, and deciding upon a creative solution that will bring about the desired outcome while taking the big picture into account, and while considering the intended and unintended consequences of that solution.
This thinking process is not necessarily linear, but rather iterative.
Also, it applies to both complex situations with major long term outcomes, as well as simple situations with short term outcomes.
The strategic thinking capability can be developed and improved, irrespective of your starting point. However, becoming a master strategic thinker requires deliberate and repeated practice over a lifetime of thinking.
Developing your strategic thinking capabilities:
Outlined below is an approach that is guaranteed to help you develop your strategic thinking capabilities.
- Develop a curious, growth mindset1. Read and study a lot. Naturally, you should start by reading on topics are related to your professional and personal fields of interest. Over time expand your sphere of interest.
- Follow selected renowned strategic thinkers and thought leaders. Read books by them and about them and learn from their way of thinking. Examples of such leaders include Sir Richard Branson, Sir Winston Churchill, Warren Buffet, Steve Jobs, and Bill Gates).
- Practice the following Strategic Thinking Exercise
It is recommended that you practice this exercise at least twice a week. It should take 15 to 20 minutes but can take much longer in some instances. Start your Strategic Thinking Journal (electronic or paper) and use it to document your exercises.
Follow this process:
1. Think about a situation, issue, or dilemma that came up during the preceding day(s). Use it as a target for your practice.
2. Write down the situation, issue, or dilemma.
3. Write down your desired outcome for this situation.
4. Think about and write down the Big Picture or the broader context for this situation. Think as broad and deep as you can.
5. Determine whether you have the knowledge to produce high-quality thoughts about the situation, or whether you need to explore and study it first.
6. If you do need to study the topic first, determine and prioritize the resources you’ll need. Study it and summarize your findings in writing.
7. Think about two to four creative solutions to the situation. Think about out of the box innovative solutions.
8. For each solution consider how it will bring about your desired outcome. Also, think about the intended and unintended consequences of each solution.
9. Ask yourself as many questions as you can, regarding each solution, and answer them in writing.
10. Think about all the questions that other stakeholders affected by the solution may ask you, and answer them in writing.
11. Then, using everything that you have learned and thought about, decide on the best solution.
12. As you are deciding, access your intuition and listen to what your gut is telling you about each solution.
13. Also, access your core values and beliefs. Make sure your chosen solution is aligned with your core values and beliefs.
14. Then document the solution you decided on and why.
If you are committed to becoming a master strategic thinker, you will definitely reap the fruits of this practice.
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