What exactly is strategic thinking? Many of us often confuse strategic thinking with strategic planning and implementation. We know strategy is crucial in the business world and that strategic thinking skills are valued by senior executives. This week’s podcast guest says anyone can be a strategic thinker and explains how!

Today’s guest is Dr. Julia Sloan. Julia is the author of the definitive book, Learning to Think Strategically, and is recognized for her pioneering work on the application of complex cognitive theory to everyday strategic thinking practice. A Fulbright fellow, she teaches strategic thinking at her alma mater, Columbia Univand, and has worked globally with corporate & public policy leaders, start-ups, refugees, & military leaders.

Julia and I talk about everything strategic thinking–what it is, how it differs from strategic planning and implementation, how we can develop strategic thinking skill sets, the foundation of strategic thinking, and so much more.

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Conversation Topics

• (00:00) Intro
• (01:22) Strategic Thinking vs. Strategic Planning vs. Strategic Implementation
• (07:23) How managers can use strategic thinking with their team members
• (10:20) Does strategic thinking always precede strategic planning?
• (13:06) Example of putting strategic thinking into action and in place
• (16:53) How we can develop our strategic thinking skill sets
• (22:28) The value of slowing down and pressing the pause button
• (25:35) The four Cs of strategic thinking and how it helps keep your team on track
• (30:55) A great manager Julia has worked for
• (31:50) Keep up with Julia
• (33:34) [Extended Episode Only] How to still think strategically amidst constant changes

Additional Resources:

- Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month

- Read the full transcript here

- Follow me on Instagram here

- Visit my website for more here

- Join the Skills Accelerator Program here

Keep up with Dr. Julia Sloan

- Follow Julia on LinkedIn here

- Grab a copy of Julia’s book Learn to Think Strategically here

- Visit Learn Strategic Thinking for more details here

FREE PDF Download: 40 Leadership Tips to Strengthen Strategic Thinking

Dr. Julia-Sloan is happy to offer a four-page PDF outlining 40 leadership tips you can implement to strengthen your strategic thinking. The tips are organized into three categories—before, during, and after a strategy session—and lined up chronologically to help you build your strategic thinking muscles.

To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.

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The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done.

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