by Anne M. Bachrach (USA)

In recent years, the theory of strategic thinking has gained steam in the business world.  While it follows the same outline as strategic planning, it differs in that it allows more flexibility, greater creativity, and more collaboration among multiple levels of management.

Essentially, strategic thinking is a method outlining the following:

  • Understanding the implications of strategic actions
  • Holding the past, present and future in mind in order to make effective decisions
  • Focusing on the goal of the action with the intent of achieving it
  • Combining critical and creative thinking to all decisions
  • “Intelligent optimism,” the ability to respond to good opportunities

Each of these steps is categorised into the following 7 areas:

  • Vision of the future
  • Strategic formulation and implementation
  • Managerial role in strategy making
  • Control
  • Managerial role in implementation
  • Strategy Making
  • Process and Outcome

Source: iCN Issue 20 (Executive Coaching); pages 35-37

About Anne M. Bachrach

Anne M. Bachrach is known as The Accountability Coach™.  She has 23 years of experience training and coaching.  Business owners and entrepreneurs who utilize Anne’s proven systems and processes work less, make more money, and have a more balanced and successful life. Anne is the author of the books, Excuses Don’t Count; Results Rule!, and Live Life with No Regrets; How the Choices We Make Impact Our Lives, and The Work Life Balance Emergency Kit.