Strategic Thinking
Strategic Thinking can be defined as the way people in an organization think about, view, assess and create the future for themselves, their team, and the organization. More than simply reacting to day-to-day or long-term problems and opportunities, it is concerned with creating the future.
Strategic thinking is not the same as critical or analytical thinking, although it can benefit from these approaches during the process. It usually requires changing our present paradigms or ways of thinking, relating and performing.
Learn in this workshop how to take charge of the future by being proactive: by defining the results you want to create for your organization or your clients and stakeholders.
With our extensive knowledge of the different software currently on the market, including all Microsoft and Adobe applications, ON-TRACK Corporate Training Ltd. has a diverse and flexible schedule that can be customized to your needs – we offer group course (both public and corporate), one-on-one training, and on-site training options. We also have easily accessible on-line training videos available.
Duration: 2 Days
Objectives
After this session, participants will be able to:
- Define strategic thinking and distinguish it from other types of thinking
- Recognize that strategic thinking and strategic planning are different, related processes
- Use strategic thinking and planning tools effectively
- Communicate and negotiate well to position the strategic plan for approval
Outline
- Introduction
- What is the difference between strategy and tactics?
- Insight, forecasting and foresight
- What is the difference between strategic thinking and strategic planning?
- Getting ready: planning to think
- Strategic Thinking
- What is strategic thinking?
- How does strategic thinking differ from operational thinking?
- What kinds of thinking do I use now?
- What are the options to thinking strategically?
- The aims of the strategic thinker
- Some preparatory strategic questions to ask
- Creating our Future
- Putting our restraining beliefs in their place
- Balancing left and right brain activity
- Six-flag thinking: which flag do we salute?
- Thinking "big and beautiful"
- Strategic Planning
- Visions and values
- Developing our mission (4 essential elements)
- Capability analysis
- Setting measurable objectives
- Costing and pricing
- Potential problem analysis
- Tools and techniques
- Guidelines for brainstorming
- Gap Analysis Plus
- Pre-defining Success: Logic framework
- Opportunity Costing
- S.W.O.T
- The Wisconsin model
- Setting priorities
- Information analysis
- Related strategic processes:
- Sensitivity analysis (the total effect if one variable changes marginally)
- Contingency planning (What if we don't...)
- Scenario Planning (Range of detailed options, scenes occurring all at once)
- Consequence orientation
- Five Essential Skills for Strategic Thinking
- Problem-solving
- Decision-making
- Negotiating
- Influencing and persuading
- Conflict resolution
- Communication Skills
- Asking the right questions
- Active listening
- Refocusing skills
- Calming skills (avoiding emotional decisions and conflict)
- Making assertive positional statements
- Using positive language
- Persuading others of the soundness of our strategy
- Basic presenting skills
- More on Strategic Negotiating
- Basic structure in preparing to negotiate
- Red, Blue and Purple negotiating styles
- Categories of negotiable Issues
- Negotiation strategies and tactics
- Taking it off the page:
- Project development (five stages)
- Motivating work teams
- Managing change and changes
- Tracking tools
- Future Planning Checklist
- Course Evaluation and Closure