Strategic Thinking and Problem-solving

Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving

21-22 January

9 AM PT / 12 PM ET:

1 PM PT / 4 PM ET

Course Overview

In a world increasingly driven by data and automation, the ability to think strategically and solve complex, unstructured problems is the ultimate competitive advantage. This course moves beyond simple analytics to cultivate the uniquely human capacity for foresight, pattern recognition, and innovative solution design. You will learn to navigate ambiguity, challenge assumptions, and make high-stakes decisions with confidence. This is not about memorizing frameworks; it is about rewiring your mind to see opportunities where others see obstacles. By the end of this training, you will be equipped to lead your team, and your organization, toward a future you have helped to shape.

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

Distinguishbetween tactical, operational, and strategic levels of thinking and apply each appropriately.
Deconstructcomplex business problems into manageable components using proven analytical frameworks.
Formulateinnovative and resilient solutions by challenging conventional wisdom and embracing ambiguity.
Leada team through a structured problem-solving process, fostering collaboration and diverse perspectives.
Evaluatepotential solutions and make confident, data-informed decisions under pressure.
Communicatestrategic plans and complex solutions with clarity, precision, and persuasive power.

Course Outcomes

Course Content

The Foundations of Strategic Thinking

Analyze the difference between strategic and operational thinking.
Examine the role of foresight and long-term vision in decision-making.
Discuss how to move from a reactive mindset to a proactive, forward-looking one.
Identify personal biases and mental models that can impede strategic thought.
Formulate a personal framework for approaching a strategic challenge.
Evaluate real-world examples of successful and unsuccessful strategic thinking.

Apply frameworks like SWOT, PESTLE, and Porter’s Five Forces to analyze business environments.
Develop a competitive analysis to identify market dynamics and opportunities.
Examine the use of scenario planning to prepare for future uncertainties.
Discuss how to leverage data and information to inform strategic insights.
Practice creating a compelling strategic narrative based on your analysis.

Tools for Strategic Analysis

The Art of Problem-solving

Deconstruct complex problems using methods like the 5 Whys and issue trees.
Lead a team through a structured problem-solving process, from definition to solution.
Differentiate between simple, complicated, and complex problems and apply the right approach.
Identify the root cause of a problem versus its symptoms.
Formulate multiple alternative solutions to a single problem.

Evaluate different decision-making models, including rational, intuitive, and collaborative approaches.
Discuss how to manage risk and uncertainty in the decision-making process.
Analyze the impact of cognitive biases on judgment and learn techniques to mitigate them.
Practice using decision matrices and cost-benefit analysis to compare options.
Formulate a process for making a high-stakes decision under pressure and limited information.

High-Stakes Decision-making

Fostering Innovation and Creativity

Examine the link between strategic thinking and organizational innovation.
Develop techniques for fostering creative thinking in yourself and your team.
Discuss how to challenge assumptions and think “outside the box.”
Identify barriers to innovation and formulate strategies to overcome them.
Practice brainstorming and idea generation methods to drive new solutions.

Develop a compelling presentation to articulate your strategic vision to stakeholders.
Discuss how to gain buy-in and align a team around a new strategic direction.
Examine the role of change management in successfully implementing a strategy.
Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and measure success.
Formulate a monitoring and evaluation plan to ensure the strategy remains relevant and effective.
Practice communicating difficult strategic decisions with empathy and clarity.