Recent commentators on Strategic Thinking point ever more clearly towards the conclusion that the critical strategic question is not “What?” (usually addressed by conventional thinking), but “Why?” (or “How?”). The work of Mintzberg and others who draw a distinction between strategic planning (defined as systematic programming of pre-identified strategies) and strategic thinking (a more integrated perspective on the organisation) supports that conclusion. Intensified exploration of strategy from new directions is now coming together in the concept of what is being called strategic thinking. At this point, there is no generally accepted definition of the term, no common agreement as to its role or importance, and no standardized list of key competencies of strategic thinkers. However, many agree that traditional models of strategy making (which are primarily based on strategic planning) are not working.
Whatever your viewpoint on Strategic Thinking, you will find it addressed in our TLC Leadership Development Programmes.