Smart Goals & Strategic Thinking

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. You can apply this framework to various aspects of strategic thinking, such as improving your ability to take a big-picture view or to think before acting. 

For example, a SMART goal might be: "I will improve my ability to take a big-picture view by reading one strategic article and committing to thinking before reacting in one meeting each week for the next three months". 

Strategic thinking skills are among the most highly sought-after management competencies. Why? Because employees capable of thinking critically, logically, and strategically can have a tremendous impact on a business’s trajectory.

If you want to improve your strategic thinking skills, the good news is that, with the right mindset and practice, you can.

Strategic thinking skills include:

Analytical skills: To ideate a strategy that helps your organization reach its objectives, you must be capable of analysing a variety of inputs—from financial statements and KPIs, to market conditions, emerging business trends, and internal resource allocation. This initial analysis is crucial to creating a strategy that aligns with the current reality facing your organization.

Communication skills: Putting a strategy into place for your company, regardless of its size, requires solid communication skills. The ability to communicate complex ideas, collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, build consensus, and ensure everyone is aligned and working toward shared goals are all central to strategic thinking.

Problem-solving skills: Strategic planning is often used to solve problems or address challenges, such as missed financial targets, inefficient workflows, or an emerging competitor. Implementing a strategy that addresses the central challenge you face requires you to first understand the problem and its potential solutions. From there, you can craft a strategy that solves it.

Planning and management skills: Strategy isn’t just about thinking of a solution—it involves implementation, too. Once data has been analyzed, the problem is understood, and a solution has been identified, you need strong planning and management skills to bring everything together.

Who should attend this workshop:

This workshop is designed to help leaders, managers, and technical experts and those who think strategically.