This workshop will provide participants with a set of tools that will facilitate a shift from the tactical to the strategic. The emphasis will be on increasing awareness of the importance of strategic thinking and providing the necessary background and skills to effectively put that thinking to work. Participants will also learn decision making tools, tips, and traps that they can immediately incorporate into their daily work.
Course Overview
Course Outcomes
- Learn the difference between tactical and strategic thinking approaches
- Take a systems thinking approach to decision making
- Identify and interpret environmental factors that influence strategic thinking
- Forecast the ripple effects of strategic decisions
- Identify detractors that commonly prevent strategic thinking
Business Need
In these turbulent budgetary times the need for a strategic perspective grows increasingly important. While these can be seen as difficult or dangerous times for government agencies, the future is also full of opportunities. Strategic thinkers are the people who will give these opportunities life and capitalize on them. In today's rapidly changing environment, leaders need a broad perspective, vision, and an intrinsic awareness of the trends and developments shaping their work. The need for a strategic approach to work is no longer limited to senior leaders. Operational leaders, typically limited to a tactical focus, will need to develop a more strategic outlook in order to help their teams adapt to this rapidly changing world.
Course Topics
Practical Strategic Thinking
- Strategic vs. tactical thinking
- Urgent/important matrix for practical strategic thinking
Balancing Competing Roles of Leadership
- Vision setter
- Environment maker
- Analyzer
- Task master
PEST: Analysis of Issues Impacting Agency
- Political, economic, social, technological
- Scenario planning with practice activities
Single vs. Double Loop Learning
- Single loop continuous learning: incremental change
- Double loop continuous learning: transformational change
- The Five Whys
Course Schedule
Typical Course Duration
Virtual: 4 hours
In-person: 8 hours
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Delivery Methods
Number of participants
- in-person: 30
- virtual: 30
Course Details
Course Level:
- Mid Level Leader
- Senior Level
Learning Methods:
- Case Study
- Discussion
- Lecture
- Personal Reflection
Equipment:
- easel/markers
- LCD projector and screen