Also to see the amazing change in your brand visibility and revenue and organizational climate as a whole. 2014, Blake et al. A tactical thinker is focused on checking items off a list to get it finished. In the lesson, we'll look at how Paul did just this. Dear Reader, There is a difference between doing something and doing it well. A strategic thinker imagines what might be happening that isn’t readily apparent. Business people can become more proficient at strategic thinking skills through using strategic thinking exercises and tools. The Grandmaster Mindset - Part II Strategic thinking is defined as a mental or thinking process applied by an individual in the context of achieving a goal or set of goals in a game or other endeavor. The analytical style of thinking is step-wise and logical. Strategic Thinking is thinking beyond the specific issue or task at hand. By knitting strategy and tactics together, you can achieve the right balance of effectiveness and efficiency which is crucial to the success of an organisation. Creative Thinking is going beyond the limitations and being original and fresh in one’s ideas. With the use of Critical Thinking, you’ll be able to evaluate the Strategic thoughts in a way that can provide you with a better understanding of how those factors weigh in, and if your “thinking” is sound. Some researchers while discussing on Strategic thinking describe that strategic planning and strategic thinking are two sides of same coin, strategic thinking increase the popularity in strategic planning. 2015, Sutter 2007, Fehr et al. A tactical thinker is sequential, focusing on one thing followed by another. Strategic Thinking applied here would bring up other thoughts about life style changes, nutritional needs, exercise, long term health consequences, how my frequent travel affects my choices, etc. Let’s look at why strategic thinking is required for your company: You’ll look at the price, the size, the gadgets and features, whether you need four-wheel drive, financing options, gas mileage, and how it feels and rides. The objective of our research is to study how the ability to take on a perspective and the ability to think logically contribute to strategic thinking as a function of features of the task or context, and how the development of those abilities ma… It’s an activity where you look beyond the immediate goal or issue and with the context of the world around you, not just the content of the moment. A good strategic management online course will help you distinguish between these two in a more detailed manner. Essentially, strategic thinking is a method outlining the following: Understanding the implications of strategic actions; Holding the past, present and future in … Strategic thinking and operational thinking may seem like two separate planes of existence. Brainzooming, Implementation, Performance, Strategic Thinking, Strategy, Tools. Critical Thinking is a toolset, a methodology, and a process that you use during activities such as problem solving, decision making, innovation, leading, negotiating, influencing, and more. We’ve seen this play out time and time again. It is usually very methods-driven, following thought-through (and sometime research-derived) models and frameworks. Here’s one more. For over 20 years, Harvard ManageMentor® has set the standard for on-demand leadership development. Strategic Thinking 25 Weeks to Better Thinking and Better Living First Steps to Becoming a Critical Thinker By Dr. Linda Elder and Dr. Richard Paul The Foundation for Critical Thinking . Here are the differences we see between the two: A tactical thinker keeps opportunities and issue separate so they are digestible. Get your FREE copy today. And when it comes to results, if you want to learn about the advantages of engaging more of your team in creating strategic impact, we have just the mini-book for you. Customer Relationships – Be Bad, but at Least Don’t Cheat on Me. To better understand the difference between an operational plan and a strategic plan we can once again look at the thinking … But strategic thinking is only the beginning — you also need a strategic plan to turn your insights into action. You have an end in mind, a vision – the what. 6 Characteristics of Strategic Thinking Skills vs. Tactical Thinking. A tactical thinker avoids complexity. Thinking and Planning Strategic thinking can be come an acquired skill used on a daily basis t o better manage your business. Strategic Thinking is another activity, joining the list above, where you use Critical Thinking as a tool. While I will likely write a post about it in detail after my next read, in short, I would explain it in short as follows: Strategic Thinking Vs. Tactical Thinking – The key differences, and why it doesn’t need to be one or the other. !” is a quick read mini-book designed for busy executives who want to take the first step toward smarter strategy and greater market success. Some people are very strong in strategic thinking and may be struggling with tactical thinking … A strategic thinker is holistic, looking for the next biggest result to deliver. Here’s the deal, tactical focussed people think tactically and strategists think strategically. A strategic thinker refines information to build a broad knowledge base with robust insights. In working with our clients, we find that most have a relatively strong understanding and appreciation for the value of strategic planning/management. Enter your email address for emails bursting with creativity. As a cognitive activity, it produces thought.. Strategic planning involves the application of strategy, not the development of strategy. The prime objective here is to ensure that the company follows the strategic thinker’s guidelines. Strategic thought requires thinking “conceptually” as opposed to “sequentially.” Sequential thinking weighs the pros and cons of each step against its immediate surroundings. Comparing Strategic Thinking and Critical Thinking is like comparing running and a pair of shoes. Posted by Christopher Smith on June 13, … Its goal is to out-think, out-plan and out-maneuver other forces or competitors. There are two schools of thoughts: 1. They may have the best of intentions, but it requires the work of both strategic and tactical thinkers to make it all happen. Introduction 2 purpose of this compendium, we have focused extensively on concepts related to strategic Strategic thinking informs strategic planning/management. Who We AreWhat We ImproveWho You AreResources, © 2021 All material copyright: The Brainzooming Group unless otherwise noted. That doesn’t translate into not being strategic, however. Yes, you can, but the likelihood of error, or confusion, or misplaced priorities, or lack of clarity is high if you don’t use the tools that specifically aid there, i.e. Can you be a Strategic Thinker without being a Critical Thinker? l (Heracleous, 1998) Generally speaking we can define strategic thinking as The mode of thinking used by strategists when facing strategic problem. Here are the differences we see between the two: A tactical thinker works to fill information holes, answering one question and moving to the next without asking any other questions in between. Strategic planning requires an effective strategy that sows the seed for an efficient execution plan. That’s why we don’t buy it when someone says he or she isn’t strategic. Tactical Thinking Vs. Strategic Thinking. 12 10. a.The Grandmaster Mindset - Part I. Continually asking what is the best way to do things. Enjoy this article? If you’re an executive and make a concerted effort to support a team member with strong strategic thinking exercises and tools, what type of impact should you expect? Strategic thinking is the process of determining the direction you will take to achieve your vision. A search on the internet will offer you a million opinions. Therefore, by performing strategic planning without strategic thinking, the crucial strategy development phas e does not occur. A strategic thinker embraces possibilities. Diet comes to mind. We'll start with the definitions of the two kinds of strategic processes. Then let’s talk about how to make it happen for your organization. Conceptual thinking requires that each step be measured against the larger goal. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. It usually attempts to break a problem or issue into its constituent parts both to understand and to address or solve it. It hypothesized that strategic thinking is significantly associated with core competence achievement, also strategic thinking is significantly influence core competence achievement. That doesn’t translate into not being strategic, however. Purpose – The purpose of strategic thinking is to envision or develop a solution. Strategic Thinking is another activity, joining the list above, where you use Critical Thinking as a tool. I’m often asked “What’s the difference between Strategic Thinking and Critical Thinking?”. The notion of combat implies a central premise of competition in the pursuit of “fulfillment.” You look at consequences, implications, interdependencies, and indirect affects, all in both the short and longer term. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. If you have read some of the other “vs.” blog posts I have written, you know that I like to begin with basic definitions. Thankfully, there is one book that can clarify everything about it for us — Edward de Bono’s Lateral Thinking. 3 step process to shift gears from tactical planning to strategic thinking ‘Lateral Thinking’ is abused and uttered so many times in so many contexts; leave aside the numerous (erstwhile email/SMS forwards to the now) Whatsapp forwards with puzzles. For example, take the act of buying a car. (Mintzberg 1987; Lawrence and 1999) Strategic thinking is needed in order to make strategic … 8 08. a. Maybe the person isn’t displaying the characteristics of strategic thinking. The Architect Mindset - Part II. A strategic thinker works to make sure the right things are on the list in the first place. In the process of the above thinking, you can use Critical Thinking to be clear on your objectives, and how those match the car attributes, to examine why those are your objectives and understand the priorities and how you should consider those strategic issues during your decision. A strategy set based on logic is also more compelling to other employees than a feeling-based strategy. Strategic vs Critical Thinking. I have read it a few times with new nuggets picked up every time, so it is sort of clear in my head. Graphic designed by Jane Harvey http://www.visualtranslating.com/. Choose the best approach that will get the job done quickly and efficiently. Without a strategic thinking approach as the foundation, so-called strategic plans end up frequently becoming operational or tactical plans in disguise. 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