Strategic Thinking: Can It Be Taught, Essay Example

“Strategic Thinking: Can it be Taught” by Jeanne M. Liedtka demonstrates that there are methods that could be used to teach strategic thinking, although the traditional mode of thought is that an individual must learn this process on his or her own. The author provides a wealth of advice to companies and organizations that which to implement strategic thinking strategies into their training or professional development programs. The author highlights the fact that strategic thinking is often hypothesis-driven and requires critical thinking skills, including intense focus and efficient thinking. It is important for organizations to consider the payoff for investment in critical thinking programs. Ultimately, establishment of strategic thinking training programs will lead to more the establishment of more effective work, which will help the organization achieve their goals more quickly. For organizations that have the potential to experience financial gain will likely earn greater profits as a consequence of supporting a greater mode of thought in the work place.

While the author believes that strategic thinking could be taught, it appears that not everyone will have equal abilities to do so. Workers that have better critical thinking skills will likely learn by these strategic thinking strategies than those who have not already developed these abilities. Furthermore, it is possible that different workers will master this skill to different extents. It appears that the ability to think strategically is dependent upon repeated practice of this skill. As a consequence, workers who have a greater amount of experience as it pertains to strategic thinking will perform better than their less experienced counterparts. Organizations who wish for their employees to develop these skills should therefore assign them to tasks that will enhance their ability to think strategically.

References

Liedkta JM. (1998). Strategic Thinking: Can it be Taught. Long Range Planning, 31: 120-129.