Once you’ve identified the characteristics of a strategic thinker you’d like to embody, the next step is to develop those skills. Adopting even one or two new practices can be a powerful way to invest more in strategic thinking.
Learning how to master strategic thinking takes some time, but it is worth the effort. Start with these five steps.
1. Ask Strategic Questions
Curiosity is an in-demand skill for business leaders, with 83% of C-suite executives believing it can spark positive organizational change. Curiosity helps individuals gather helpful information and ask quality questions.
If you want to build your strategic thinking skills, start asking questions from a place of curiosity such as:
- Who in my organization is best suited for this new project?
- What advantages might I gain if I partnered with this new supplier?
- If we change our communication channels and process, would that improve collaboration?
- How might shifting resources to this area impact other priorities or teams?
- What underlying trends or patterns could influence the long-term success of this initiative?
Many strategic thinkers approach the question-asking process like the scientific process. They propose a well-researched hypothesis that is ready for practical testing, which allows them to investigate their questions and find applicable, helpful answers.
Specific frameworks, such as the play-to-win mindset, offer additional questions you can ask as you develop your strategic approach.
2. Seek Diverse Perspectives
Diverse sources of information mean more opportunities for unique insights and interdisciplinary awareness. As strategic thinkers look to answer their questions, they invite a variety of voices to contribute.
Within your own organization, this looks like empowering all team members to speak up and share their experiences. Both individual contributors and team leaders can have valuable perspectives to share. When collaborating across teams, you gain multiple perspectives on the same project and can better attend to all facets.
As you seek information outside your organization, you can learn from a variety of sources, including:
- Media personalities and publications
- Industry thought leaders
- Business competitors
Look at industries outside your own. You can learn from advances or setbacks across all sectors to gain a well-rounded point of view. Learn more about how to instill a strategic mindset at work.
3. Set Informed Goals
Learning how to set informed goals can move you from information gathering to strategic action. Identify areas for improvement or projects you want to accomplish. Then, use the insights you’ve gained to set “SMART” goals, which are:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Action-oriented
- Realistic
- Time-bound
While strategic thinkers value observation and reflection time, they also recognize when it’s time to take action. Well-defined goals provide direction and ensure you can transition smoothly from planning to execution, keeping momentum going.
4. Communicate Clearly
Strategic thinkers avoid operating in silo’s and instead adopt an enterprise-wide teamwork mindset, aiming to drive collaboration and strategic alignment with others. As you develop your strategic skills, communicate with those around you. Make sure to:
- Speak up in meetings when you have a valuable idea to contribute
- Request constructive feedback and listen intently to the response
- Inspire confidence in your approach with data and logic
If you are not currently in a role that utilizes your strategic skills, continuing to develop them will put you in demand. You can even showcase your strategic skills in a job application.
5. Remain Flexible
A strategic plan helps you prepare for the future, but it cannot predict everything. Strategic thinkers do not remain stagnant or blindly loyal to a plan. They respond dynamically and in real-time to:
- Incorporate additional information
- Overcome unforeseen obstacles
- Take advantage of new opportunities
Part of remaining flexible means taking informed risks. Rather than continuing with the familiar, be willing to try new processes or become an early adopter of new technology. With the right foresight and support structures in place, taking calculated risk gives you a competitive advantage.
Learn more about the positive effects of strategic thinking.
Elevate Your Strategic Skills with CMOE
Can you teach someone to think strategically? Yes. Strategic thinking isn’t just a talent—it’s a skill that can be learned, practiced, and perfected. With the right guidance and development, anyone —from executive leaders to individual contributors— can unlock their potential to think strategically and elevate their performance.
At CMOE, we specialize in empowering individuals and organizations with the tools they need to thrive in today’s business environment. Our strategic development courses are tailored to help you:
- Clarify your current strategy and uncover new opportunities for growth.
- Leverage your existing tools and resources to their fullest potential.
- Cultivate actionable strategic skills and processes for long-term success.
Take the next step toward mastering strategic thinking. Discover how to sharpen strategic thinking with CMOE and driving meaningful results.
