101: Strategic Thinking
Making decisions that foster real change often involves thinking on many different levels all at once to get the maximum benefit. Good leaders have developed strategic thinking skills and continue to nurture them. Here are three ways to boost yours:
Ban “yes men.” Diversity is beneficial in many ways, especially diversity of thought. “It is dangerous to read the work of people who agree with you and surround yourself with yes men,” says Shaun Rein in an article at Forbes.com. Promote gatherings with friends who think in different ways, or who have strengths in areas where your weaknesses lie. Soak up their knowledge and let it enlighten your way of thinking and considering issues.
Use all your hats. A great way to analyze situations is to pretend you have six “thinking hats,” says consultant Edward de Bono. In an article at digital marketing site EasiSell.com, Marj Galangco calls deBono's theory a powerful process. The first hat is facts and figures; the second is intuition and emotion; the third is potential downfalls or risks; the fourth is positive outcomes; the fifth is creative alternatives; and the sixth is the organizing view, or how to think about it. Hats make sure you see all sides of an issue.
Get it all together. An idea is no good if it remains an idea forever. Lay out your objectives and figure out how to make it all happen — whether it's an office reorganization, website launch or acquisition. “Develop a strategic action plan with each objective broken down into tasks and each task having a list of needed resources and a specific timeline,” advises Robert Bradford at the Center for Simplified Strategic Planning website. That will keep you on track to achieving your goals. n
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