Harvey
Nice job on the listed steps these are some of the step that I would follow as well.
Troy
Strategic thinking is definitely a process, as much as strategic planning.
Eric,
Good summary. In regards to point 5 I think it is essential to make sure that the integrity of data is sound so that you can make informed decisions. I think your point of making sure data and input is from a diverse set of sources and that input from key stakeholder groups is also important part of the strategic thinking process. Listening objectively is also an important element of strategic thinking. I think we all get locked in to our own perceptions based on our past experiences that we sometimes have to discipline our thought process to listen to other points of view. Do you have an example of when you have applied these steps?
Dr. Blake Faulkner
These are the steps I would follow to ensure that I apply strategic thinking:
1. Understand and clearly define the problem.
2. Get a broad perspective of the environment that surrounds you...and the problem.
3. Ask questions, observe, LISTEN...and then LISTEN again.
4. Challenge and always ask WHY after you asked WHY?
5. Collect data from diverse sources even if it seems irrelevant.
6. Identify various SMART courses of action.
7. Make a decision on which is best based on pros/cons and probable consequences.
8. Execute, follow-up, fine-tune, and change course if necessary to meet the objective (a solution).
Bob,
Good point. I struggle with this myself at times. I think one of the challenges of administrative roles is that at times you do not have the time to dig deep into any one project or initiative. Many of us are wired for perfection!
Hope you are enjoying the course!
All the best,
Dr. Blake Faulkner
Hi;
Learning to settle on "good enough" is not easy and slometimes flies against intuition and, of course, our learning template thru the years.
Bob
Robert ,
Your points are important and very relevant as the pace of change continues to accelerate and has made both strategic planning and strategic thinking much more dynamic. Procuring information that is both relevant and reliable is important and the "intuition" you refer to is also important. I believe that it is increasingly important to step back from day to day activities on a frequent basis to assess strategically where the organization is going and where energies are being focused. We are seeing transformative change in higher education and taking time to step back and assess how our thinking in relation to education models has to change to adapt and succeed in this rapidly changing environment I believe is imperative. As Abraham Lincoln said "as a leader no decision I make is wholly good or wholly bad." Our jobs as leaders is to make the best possible decision based upon all the information available to us. As you mentioned there are times where there is not a clear answer and we cannot be paralyzed in making a decision. The strategic thinking process just helps us make the most informed decision possible.
Dr. Blake Faulkner
Hi;
Yes most definitely I feel it is a process as that infers a series of discrete steps that are interconnected. That process I feel differs for each of us depending on how analytical we are. Some of us are touchy feely and so the process may incvolve a number of intangibles. Some of us are very discipined in our orientation based perhaps on our education and experiences and stress the tangibles. I was brought up with an engineering background and so am very methodical and approach issues with a determined mindset. I think each approach has application depending on the circumstances. The set of steps to be followed maps to how we process information. There would be the natural aspect of information gathering and verification and then of course the assessment ad action phases. The number of phases or steps varies based on each one of us. I do not think there is a set rule of thumb but it is the outcomes that matter. That is, if the information being processed is not "rich" enough the outcome will be arrived at with some degree of "luck" or conjecture. There is also information overload which will provide many answers and also lead to dysfunctionality. Creating a proper balace is the challenge. In any event, this balance it constantly being upset by world events and change in the world's dynamics.
Bob
James,
Good points. I have recently spent several days in strategic planning sessions in different regions of the U.S. and Canada. One additional point that I would add to your comments is that strategic thinking requires you to step back from the narrow operational focus that is required and an essential part of our daily work and success. Strategic thinking requires you to look more broadly at trends, relationships, connections between ideas, etc... . As technology increases both the productivity and pace of our daily lives I believe it is increasingly important that we step away periodically, quiet the mind, and allow ourselves to think more broadly and strategically. What are your thoughts in this regard?
Dr. Blake Faulkner
Strategic thinking can be viewed as a dynamic process that continually evolves. A strategic thinker will continue to ask questions, evaluate seemingly unrelated data, discern trends and establish relationships, while adapting to the changing environment. A strategic thinker is always willing to learn and apply new knowledge.
Charles,
Good point! Looking at broader context is essential. Research is supporting the fact that the creative and strategic thinking processes are enhanced when people have time to quiet the mind, reflect and put themselves in the state of mind that provides perspective beyond the immediate. What
Dr. Blake Faulkner
Perspective is also important. A strategic planning process sometimes means stepping back from the task at hand and reminding yourself about the bigger picture.
Harvey,
Well done Harvey. Strategic thinking requires being thoughtful of both external and internal factors that need to be considered during the assessment and development of potential options. Can you provide an example of when you have used the process you have outlined regarding strategic thinking?
Dr. Blake Faulkner
Strategic thinking is process that allows the leaders or team to accurately frame the right challenge and look for optimal solutions.
The process would include:
• Assessing the situation
• Asking opened question to ensure that the leadership team is on the same page
• Determining what is the end-state goal and ensuring alignment amongst the leadership team
• Drawing out the potential solutions (thinking out of the box)
• Discussing the pro and cons of each potential solution
• Developing an implementation plan and moving forward.
Kathy,
Interesting perspective. I think you hit on a critical point that it is important to continue to be open and listen to others even if there view point may not be aligned with yours. What department do you work in and what other functional areas do you find yourself having different points of view on topics on a regular basis?
Dr. Blake Faulkner
I think we can practice strategic thinking on a regular basis while doing our daily routines. I like to constantly challenge my own opinions no matter how long I've believed in them. Circumstances around us are always changing and things that I thought I'd never do ten years ago could be something I'd consider doing now. Also, I like to talk to people who are different from me. As long as I keep an open mind, some of their opinions are very interesting and have led me to change my own as well. It's difficult sometimes to relate to them but it keeps me grounded knowing that not everyone thinks like I do.
Margarita,
You have provided some very practical and useful advice on things that any employee or manager can do to stay connected to the overall strategic direction of their organization. These steps will all so help ensure that strategic thinking is aligned with strategic direction of the organization.
Dr. Blake Faulkner
Strategic thinking is also a process and the following are the steps,
1.Determine whether your company and unit have strategic plans.
Ask your boss whether strategic plans exist at the corporate and unit levels. If so, see if you can obtain copies. The information contained within these documents will help you gain a better understanding of your company's and unit's strategic missions, visions, and goals.
2.Talk with your boss about your corporate and unit strategies.
After you have reviewed all the strategy documents that are available to you, talk with your boss about the company's and unit's future direction. Ask your boss to tell you about corporate or unit planning sessions that he or she has attended.
3.Ask for your peers' perspectives on company and unit strategies.
Talk with other managers in your organization to understand how the company and units approach strategy formulation, planning, and execution.
4.Observe the decisions and messages that are being communicated by executives and managers in your organization.
•Read or listen to presentations that the CEO has made to the board, investors, and others. CEO presentations typically communicate direction and progress toward both short-term business goals and long-term strategic initiatives.
•If your company is public, read its annual report.
•Review your organization's Web site.
•Review your company's advertisements and press releases.
•Look at marketing and product information.
•Examine newsletters and other communication channels for information about your organization's strategy.
•Attend all company meetings in which strategies and results are discussed. Doing so will keep you on top of changes taking place in the organization.
5.Be able to discuss your company's and unit's strategies with others. By talking about your corporate and unit strategies and answering questions that others may have, you will deepen your understanding of the strategies at play within your organization.
Shawn,
Nice example of how strategic thinking process is a part of your daily work. Because alot of folks are involved in your projects I am sure that you have to do alot of listening, alot of collaboration with others, and scanning what is changing internally and exeternally. I am glad to here this course has helped provide a framework to help with what it sounds like comes very natural to you!
The process,.... Well, given the opportunity it starts within the mind of the break down of budget, materials, personell, strengths of individual members on the crew and where to focus their unique abilities along the way to hit short term deadlines as well as comunicating with the other build related deptmnts, their foremen as well as their crw to see if we can assit each other on the way to the final deadline. This process happens very quickly within my mind when approached with a budget for any buid. this course has just help me connect the dots and give an already natural gift a form of a more disciplined structure to follow.
