Being a leader in an organization, it is your main goal that you establish a strong image and lead the organization in the best way that you can. That means having a strategic plan in mind by which you base all your decisions. While strategic planning doesn’t necessarily mean strategic thinking, it sure helps to have a set plan as a base. A strategic leader also encourages others to think strategically in day-to-day tasks and interactions within the organization. A good leader doesn’t only lead, they also inspire.
While it can be also done individually when strategic thinking is done collectively it produces higher doses of creativity. In a group setting people are more inclined to get inspired and bounce ideas of-of each other. In the end, these sessions produce a creative solution to a problem, with which most of the people in the organization agree. Organizations that apply strategic thinking have higher rates of creativity, which they use to create competitive advantages.
Strategic thinking is basically the role imagination takes in organizational settings. Even though it is considered a creative process, it certainly can be stimulated. By making it a habit to make time to think and reflect, you will find yourself thinking more creatively.
Think outside the box
Broadening your horizon is one of the first steps towards developing a strategic thinking mindset. When you are used to thinking a certain way, you ignore things that are out of your sight. Thinking outside the box will help you see alternatives you have not been able to see before.
Divergent and convergent thinking is one of the ways to think outside the box. When you think divergently you free yourself of judgment and criticism. Here you only want to see everything there is. Then, by thinking convergently you will be able to narrow down the ideas that you had to the ones that suit you the most.
Observe and reflect
Observing and reflecting is one of the simplest ways to fuel strategic thinking. By taking the time to look at a problem from a distance with a clear and open mind, you will be able to see it better. Japanese culture encourages spending more time understanding the problem rather than solving it. When you understand a problem correctly, you are able to come up with a rather better solution.
Because strategic thinking is all about making connections, reflecting on your previous behavior and the way you tackle tasks is one of the first steps to connecting the dots. Only when you understand what has worked and what hasn't on the past and you understand how work is done will you be able to think strategically. `
Ask all the questions
Strategic thinkings best friend is critical thinking. This goes into the idea that when you think critically, you are able to better make connections when you ask the questions why, when, how, what, etc. This is connected to the reflecting as well. How will you ever be able to connect the dots if you can’t completely understand the current situation?
Talk to others
Communication is a key element in strategic thinking. As we’ve previously mentioned, group settings stimulate strategic thinking by bouncing ideas from one person to another. Discussing your ideas with others is very important, especially if they think differently than you. An open mind and the willingness to listen can take you a long way.
Encourage and reward
Building a culture of encouragement is a sign of a healthy company culture as well as strategic thinking. When people feel free to express their ideas, they will be better at this way of thinking and in the end, inspire you, even more, Strategic thinking is like land. The more you feed it the more it gives back.
Strategic thinking is a key component of the way big and successful organizations operate. It is known to solve problems, create more creative working spaces and motivate people. By developing a strategic thinking mindset you will not only be helping yourself but you’ll be creating an open and innovative company culture.
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- 5 Ways To Develop A Strategic Mindset - February 3, 2019
