Strategic thinking

Learn to develop strategies

This training provides the core concepts and techniques for strategic thinking, based on recent insights from neurocognitive sciences, systems sciences and strategy development.

Effective strategies anticipate changing conditions and include various scenarios. You develop these scenarios together with others and test them for feasibility and resilience. A good strategist knows how to switch easily between the various prepared scenarios.

We develop a strategy through the Strategic Dialogue. This allows you to easily catch cognitive biases such as groupthink and formulate a strategy that is well understood and supported by everyone.

In this training you learn handy principles and techniques to take strategic conversations to a higher level.

In this four-day workshop you learn:

• To recognise the challenges of the VUCA world
• To recognise typical pitfalls such as: firefighting, slipping goals, side effects, ...
• To recognise and intercept common cognitive biases
• To use systems thinking as a strategic tool
• To develop strategic scenarios
• To facilitate the strategic dialogue
• To translate strategy to tactical and operational levels
• To use storytelling as a strategic tool

Programme:

Module 1: General framework for strategic thinking

• What is strategy?
• Overview, insight, outlook
• The VUCA world
• The Cynefin model
• Quality of perception
• Ladder of inference
• Recognising cognitive biases

Module 2: Analytical thinking

• Techniques and tools:
• Strategic drivers
• SWOT analysis including confrontation matrix and strategic choices
• Root Cause Analysis & Ishikawa
• Systems thinking vs. reductive thinking
• Systemic view using the iceberg model
• Distinguishing results, patterns, trends, systems, processes, models

Module 3: Causal Loop Diagram (CLD)

• Causality, relationships, feedback loops, delays
• Techniques and tools for CLD mapping
• Limits and levers
• Balancing and reinforcing loops

Module 4: Systemic archetypes (part 1)

• Patterns and effects
• Mindset
• Recognising, intercepting and preventing or adapting limiting patterns
• Limits to growth
• Shifting the burden
• Eroding goals
• Escalation

Module 5: Systemic archetypes (part 2)

• Success to the successful
• Tragedy of the commons
• Fixes that fail
• Growth and underinvestment
• The law of requisite variety

Module 6: Strategic dialogue

• Your role as a facilitator
• Conversational space
• Dealing with resistance
• Gaming
• Storytelling

Module 7: Strategy development

• Creating levers
• Strategic, tactical, operational collaboration
• Simulations
• Scenario planning
• Applications

Module 8: Case studies

• Gaming strategic cases:
• Merger / acquisition
• Change
• Disruption
• Product/Service launch
• Feedback on cases

Aftercare

Afterwards, participants are tasked with developing a strategy for their own case, which they discuss (online) with each other and the trainer.

Experience-oriented learning at The House of Coaching

The House of Coaching stands for experience-oriented learning. As a participant, you constantly work with the theory through practical, experience-oriented exercises that teach you to apply your skills in real situations. We facilitate the learning process through maximum interaction and sharing experiences. That is learning that really sticks!

Would you like to develop these 21st Century Skills in your people, team or organisation?

Contact us and we will work out a programme together!