7 Easy Steps for a Strategic Thinking Session

According to a recent survey, a staggering 96% of leaders lack sufficient time for strategic thinking. Leadership expert Jane Sparrow posted a poll on LinkedIn, which revealed that over 50% of respondents either don’t have enough time or struggle to allocate the necessary time for strategic thinking.

Strategic thinking is the stepping stone to success. It involves setting goals, drafting action plans to achieve them, and making decisions that drive progress according to the set plans.

The Benefits of Allocating Time for Strategic Thinking

Among the many advantages of strategic thinking is that it can help you make wise decisions to advance your goals. Setting aside enough time for strategic planning can help you manage your time more efficiently, be more productive, and make better decisions that are essential to achieving your goals.

You can level up your strategic thinking skills by setting aside time each week or month to create action plans for your goals. This practice will significantly improve the quality of your decisions and overall success.

Conducting Strategic Thinking Sessions

Here are seven steps to a successful strategic thinking session:

1. Set a Specific Time

Schedule a fixed time for strategic thinking each week, just like any other essential task. You could set up a few hours on a particular day each week or spend some time every morning before going to work.

Here are four steps to implement strategic thinking according to Harvard Business School:

1.1. Ask Strategic Questions:

A strategic question addresses a challenge, opportunity, or issue you're currently facing, whether personal or professional. This could involve launching a new project or product, outperforming a competitor, or establishing a system that fosters innovation within the organisation.

1.2. Analyse and Reflect on the Current Situation

Answer the strategic questions thoughtfully and reflect on them by analysing the current situation and observing what’s happening in your life.

1.3. Evaluate Different Perspectives and Strategies

Objectively evaluate assumptions, suggestions, and strategies to cover all potential solutions and possibilities.

1.4. Leverage Formal Training Programs

Enroll in training courses to enhance your strategic thinking skills and learn more about its techniques and methods. For example, the "Disruptive Strategy" programme at Harvard Business School can help you learn how to foster an innovative culture in your organisation.

Here are four additional steps to ensure successful strategic thinking:

• Engage with mastermind groups or seek a mentor to assist you in strategic thinking.
• Read books and articles to gather insights about strategic thinking.
• Participate in workshops and training sessions to learn more about strategic thinking techniques.
• Practice strategic thinking regularly, as it’s key to developing your strategic thinking skills.

2. Choose a Quiet Place for Strategic Thinking

Strategic thinking hinges on your ability to focus. Therefore, it’s best to choose a quiet, distraction-free place such as a library, a park bench, or a private office at home.

Here are six steps to create an environment conducive to strategic thinking:

2.1. Select a Noise-Free and Distraction-Free Area

You can hold strategic thinking sessions in a room or a corner in your house. Close the door or curtains to isolate yourself and reduce surrounding noise and distractions.

2.2. Arrange the Space Comfortably

Use cushions, chairs, blankets, and other comfortable furniture. Adding some plants can also add to the comfort and familiarity while you’re in the room.

2.3. Block Out Noise

Use noise-canceling headphones, earplugs, or a white noise machine if external noise reaches your strategic thinking space.

2.4. Set Boundaries and Basic Rules

Explain to your family members and colleagues the importance of having some quiet time during your strategic thinking session. Ask them not to disturb or interrupt you unless it’s an emergency.

2.5. Use the Quiet Space for Focused Activities or Relaxation

You might want to read, write, meditate, or take a short nap during your strategic thinking session. You can use this quiet space for relaxation during breaks and after long, stressful workdays.

2.6. Eliminate Distractions

Remove all distractions, such as your mobile phone, from the strategic thinking area.

Here are six additional steps for effective strategic thinking:

• Choose times when your home or office is relatively quiet.
• Let others know you are in your strategic thinking space and request that they respect your privacy and avoid interruptions.
• Keep pets away from the strategic thinking area.
• Allocate time to organise and de-clutter your space.
• Use candles, essential oils, and nature sounds to create a soothing and relaxing atmosphere.
• Ensure comfortable and well-ventilated seating.

3. Document the Session in a Notebook

Documenting the session in a notebook will help you track your progress towards your goals, reflect on your experiences, and pinpoint areas for improvement.

Here are six steps for using a notebook during strategic thinking sessions:

3.1. Set Precise Goals

Choose specific, measurable, achievable, and realistic goals. For example, instead of vaguely stating, "I want to succeed at work," be more specific and say, "I want to raise my sales by 10% next quarter."

3.2. Set Deadlines for Your Goals

Set deadlines to maintain your zeal, motivation, and commitment.

3.3. Choose the Right Notebook

Some prefer traditional paper notebooks, while others opt for digital tools. Choose what’s comfortable and easy for you to use.

3.4. Use Your Notebook Regularly

Consistency is essential for a successful strategic notebook. Commit to jotting down thoughts and updates regularly, even if it's only for a few minutes each day.

3.5. Regularly Track Progress

Focus on your goals and track your progress and milestones in your plan. Staying committed and moving closer to your goals requires staying focused and making necessary adjustments.

3.6. Record Accurate and Honest Information

Document accurate information about your successes and failures. You can use these experiences to improve the quality of your future decisions.

4. Take a Break

There is a common misconception that working longer hours is necessary to achieve goals. Economist John Pencavel points out that hourly productivity drops very low when working more than 50 hours a week, suggesting that working more than 55 hours a week is pointless.

When you take a break and stop thinking about work-related issues, you will likely come up with creative and strategic ideas. Hence, it’s recommended to take regular breaks from work.

5. Participate in Group Strategic Thinking Sessions

Plan regular strategic thinking sessions with colleagues, company executives, and staff members from various divisions. These meetings help you evaluate and verify your ideas and assumptions and enrich your perspectives. Participants in strategic thinking sessions feel accomplished when the ultimate objective is accomplished.

Author and coach Robin Camarote explains that you can meet with experts and customer service representatives to increase the session’s effectiveness. External perspectives help assess and improve your ideas and enhance the planning process during strategic thinking sessions. This way, you can keep these meetings with your bosses unique and interesting. Most employees tend to showcase their maximum capabilities, potential, and professional behaviours when external parties are present, which upgrades the quality and effectiveness of discussions.

Limit the number of guests to ensure everyone can engage and contribute to the conversation, which will improve the session's effectiveness. It might be challenging to manage the conversation and keep participants' attention in large groups.

6. Engage in Purposeful Activities

Here are four requirements to develop strategic thinking skills:

• Engage in key roles and responsibilities within the organisation.
• Seek out information and broaden your knowledge base.
• Cultivate a sense of curiosity.
• Gain experiences and skills that enable you to effectively connect the dots and analyse the current situation.

Leadership development programs often include assigning employees various new roles and tasks, projects that require cross-departmental collaboration, and arranging discussions and meetings with leaders.

You need to change your problem-analysis approach to discover the root causes of recurring problems in the company and find effective solutions. Here are three questions that can help you address these recurring issues:

• Why does this problem persist?
• What approach has been used to address the problem?
• How can you handle the problem differently?

7. Review and Regularly Adjust the Plan

Plans need to be adjusted as circumstances and realities change. Learning how to think strategically takes a lot of effort and experience. It’s a critical skill for success in all sectors and fields, helping you improve the quality of your future decisions by giving you enough time for strategic thinking.

Here are four additional ways to make time for strategic thinking:

7.1. Delegate Tasks

Delegate tasks when work pressures increase to free up time for strategic thinking.

7.2. Decline Requests and Tasks

Learn to say no to tasks and requests that drain your time and prevent strategic planning.

7.3. Organise Your Thoughts

Regularly organise your thoughts and ideas.

7.4. Be Patient

Strategic thinking takes time, so be patient and don’t rush the process.

FAQs

1. How much time should I allocate for strategic thinking?

The amount of time dedicated to strategic thinking depends on your job, responsibilities, and the complexity of the issues you intend to focus on during the session.

It is generally recommended that you spend at least 30 minutes each week on strategic thinking. Commitment to this practice is crucial for long-term success.

2. What are the best times to practise strategic thinking?

There are no strict rules for the best times to engage in it, but it is advised to do so in the following situations and times:

• In the morning when your mind is clear.
• At the end of the day when reflecting on your achievements.
• During work breaks.
• When you have enough time to focus, such as on holidays and vacations.

3. How can I ensure maximum benefit from a strategic thinking session?

Here are five steps to get the most out of your strategic thinking session:

• Define the Session's Goal: Determine the outcomes you want to achieve by the end of your session.
• Eliminate Distractions: Ensure that you keep your phone and other devices away and sit in a quiet place.
• Maintain Discipline: Do not allow other tasks to divert your attention during the time dedicated to strategic thinking.
• Take Notes: Notes help you remember ideas and conclusions easily and quickly.
• Review Notes Regularly: It’s advisable to review your notes regularly to track progress and ensure you commit to the planned strategies.

4. What are common challenges to strategic thinking?

Here are six common challenges to strategic thinking:

• Lack of time.
• Lack of focus.
• Distractions.
• Fear of failure.
• Perfectionism.
• Inability to make changes.

5. How can I overcome these challenges?

Here are five steps to do so:

• Set a Specific Time: Allocate a specific time for your strategic thinking session, away from distractions.
• Define the Goal: A strategic thinking session succeeds when it focuses on set goals.
• Choose a quiet place free from distractions for strategic thinking.
• Overcome the Fear of Failure: You’re human and you make mistakes, but you must learn from them and grow to succeed.
• Accept New Ideas and Perspectives: Be prepared to assess, change, and accept new perspectives when necessary.

To Sum Up

Developing strategic thinking skills takes time and practice. It’s vital in all fields and is well worth the time and effort. Strategic thinking leads to better decision-making skills, increases your ability to save time, and helps you achieve your goals.