You think clearly, but to think strategically is something else again. There are some important features that are part of this process and GenuLines gives you a look at a list to get you started.
Do You Have What It Takes to Think Strategically?
“Curious, Not Judgmental.” – Walt Whitman
Strategic thinking is a wide-ranging skill.
It affects how you think, assess, view, solve
problems.
problems. It goes a long way toward creating a future for you and others. It’s knowing what you want to achieve and how to achieve it.
It’s not always easy to develop a strategic approach since it’s both mindset and technique. Strategic thinkers are able to see the big picture,
identify the possible impact and set up a plan to get there.
Common ground
Strategic thinkers have seven main qualities in common:
Vision, Perceptiveness, Assertiveness, Framework, Flexibility, Emotional Balance, and Patience
Let’s look at those in more detail.
They have a knack for logical and creative thinking using both left and right sides of the brain.
Strategic thinkers can develop a razor sharp vision for business or personal needs.
They’re flexible in their planning. They set up benchmarks to guide them.
And they recognize opportunities to revise plans when they need to.
Self aware
Strategic thinkers are aware and perceptive of themselves and what’s around them. They recognize subtle external and internal clues to guide their direction.
And they grab opportunities for themselves or their company or organization.
They listen, hear, and understand what others say. They read and observe whatever they can to use as a guide.
And hey often have “Ah Ha” moments while relaxing or doing other activities.
Strategic thinkers have a clear definition of their goal. Their action plan breaks down into tasks.
It includes lists of needed resources or a specific timeline.
Self care
The best thinkers take time for themselves. It can be a retreat.
A walk through someplace special to them. Relaxing in the lobby of a historic hotel.
Or an afternoon alone with a blank sheet of paper for writing down your thoughts.
Strategic thinkers are often lifelong learners. They draw from every experience put before them and in every part of life.
Their creativity is balanced with a realistic sense of what’s possible in the long term. They refer to themselves as realistic optimists.
Enlisting help
Strategic thinkers often seek advice, confide in, and offer ideas for feedback. This can come from a coach, mentor, a peer group or elsewhere.
They’re non-judgmental. and don’t allow themselves to judge their own thoughts.
Strategic thinkers are patient. They don’t rush to conclusions.
Great ideas need time to develop into success in the future, and they’re aware of this. They see a potential for how the world should be and take the steps to get there.
Strategic thinkers set up and commit to deadlines.
Know thyself
They are conscious of their own biases.
They’re observant, watching before forming a judgement.
They understand other people’s intentions, desires and hopes.
Strategic thinkers make quick informed decisions.
They’re good communicators. They communicate what they want and need through clear directions or orders.
They respect the thoughts and desires of others.
They’re calm under pressure.
Strategic thinkers have a high level of confidence and self-esteem.
They know their weaknesses and seek advice from others in those areas.
They’re flexible thinkers so they can shift gears and think about things in more than one way.
Strategic thinkers develop skills that allow them to have a vision. They see where they want to go and they create the plan and begin the steps to get there.
You too can develop these skills and become a strategic thinker.
JohnK 1-10-2022
Overheard: “Think for yourself and let others enjoy the privilege of doing so too” ~Voltaire
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