[cs_section style=”margin: 0px; padding: 52px 0px 0px; “][cs_row style=”margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; ” inner_container=”true”][cs_column style=”padding: 0px; ” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″][x_card animation=”flip-from-top” center_vertically=”true” front_style=”border-width: 4px 4px 4px 4px; border-style: solid; border-color: #db5842; color: #ffffff; background-color: #4293db;” front_image=”http://allc.asia/wp-content/uploads/Strategic-Thinking.jpg” front_image_width=”200px” front_title=”STRATEGIC THINKING” front_text=”The ability to come up with an effective and comprehensive high level plan or approach to accomplish a vision or purpose.” back_style=”border-width: 4px 4px 4px 4px; border-style: solid; border-color: #4293db; color: #ffffff; background-color: #db5842;” back_title=”DETAILED DESCRIPTION” back_text=”There are a lot more people who can take an action then people who know what action would be best to take. Part of every leader’s job is to be strategic. The more leadership responsibility you have, the more critical is the requirement to think, plan and act strategically.” back_button_text=” ” back_button_link=”http:///#x-section-2″ back_button_color=”#ffffff” back_button_bg_color=”#db5842″ padding=”10% 10% 10% 10%”][x_blockquote cite=”Proverbs 24:6″ type=”center” style=”border:none;”]For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, and in a multitude of counselors there is safety.[/x_blockquote][x_line][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section style=”margin: px; padding: 15px 0px 55px; “][cs_row style=”margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; ” inner_container=”true”][cs_column class=”miniH4″ style=”padding: 0px; ” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” class=”center-text “]Skilled Characteristics[/x_custom_headline][x_gap size=”50px”][x_feature_list animation_offset=”50″ animation_delay_initial=”0″ animation_delay_between=”300″][x_feature_box title=”Envisions” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”circle” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#4293db” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_border=”border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px; border-style: solid; border-color: #43c6db;” graphic_icon=”user-plus” graphic_animation=”flipInX” connector_animation=”fadeIn” style=”font-size: 1.2″]Sees the future clearly[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Anticipates” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”circle” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#4293db” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_border=”border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px; border-style: solid; border-color: #43c6db;” graphic_icon=”user-plus” graphic_animation=”flipInX” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]Can anticipate future consequences and trends accurately[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Broad” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”circle” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#4293db” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_border=”border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px; border-style: solid; border-color: #43c6db;” graphic_icon=”user-plus” graphic_animation=”flipInX” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]Has broad knowledge and perspectives[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Articulates” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”circle” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#4293db” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_border=”border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px; border-style: solid; border-color: #43c6db;” graphic_icon=”user-plus” graphic_animation=”flipInX” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]Can paint a clear picture and vision of future possibilities[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Creative” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”circle” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#4293db” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_border=”border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px; border-style: solid; border-color: #43c6db;” graphic_icon=”user-plus” graphic_animation=”flipInX” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]Can create competitive and breakthrough strategies and plans[/x_feature_box][/x_feature_list][x_custom_headline level=”h4″ looks_like=”h5″ accent=”false” class=”center-text ” style=”color:#001123″]”There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all.”

– Peter Drucker[/x_custom_headline][x_gap size=”50px”][x_line][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section style=”margin: 0px; padding: 15px 0px 55px; “][cs_row style=”margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; ” inner_container=”true”][cs_column class=”miniH4″ style=”padding: 0px; ” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” class=”center-text “]Unskilled Characteristics[/x_custom_headline][x_gap size=”50px”][x_feature_list animation_offset=”50″ animation_delay_initial=”0″ animation_delay_between=”300″][x_feature_box title=”Doer” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”hexagon” graphic_color=”” graphic_bg_color=”#db5842″ align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”user-times” graphic_animation=”flipInX” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]Doesn’t think or talk strategy[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Weak Planning” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”hexagon” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#db5842″ align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”user-times” graphic_animation=”flipInX” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]Can’t put together a compelling strategic plan[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Tactical” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”hexagon” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#db5842″ align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”user-times” graphic_animation=”flipInX” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]More comfortable focusing on tasks related to today rather than thinking about the needs of the future[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Perspective” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”hexagon” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#db5842″ align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”user-times” graphic_animation=”flipInX” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]Lacks the perspective to pull together varying elements into a coherent strategic view[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Not a Painter” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”hexagon” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#db5842″ align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”user-times” graphic_animation=”flipInX” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]Can’t weave or paint a clear vision of the future for others[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Rejects” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”hexagon” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#db5842″ align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”user-times” graphic_animation=”flipInX” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]May reject the usefulness of strategy, considering it a waste of time[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Narrow” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”hexagon” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#db5842″ align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”user-times” graphic_animation=”flipInX” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]May have narrow experience and not be knowledgeable about other areas of work or of different contexts and cultures[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Over Simplifies” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”hexagon” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#db5842″ align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”user-times” graphic_animation=”flipInX” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]May try to simplify too much or be very tactical (short-term focused)[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Lacks Discipline” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”hexagon” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#db5842″ align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”user-times” graphic_animation=”flipInX” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]May lack the disciplined thought processes necessary to construct a strategic view[/x_feature_box][/x_feature_list][x_custom_headline level=”h4″ looks_like=”h5″ accent=”false” class=”center-text ” style=”color:#001123″]”It’s not enough to be busy, so are the ants. The question is, ‘What are we busy about?'”

– Henry David Thoreau[/x_custom_headline][x_gap size=”50px”][x_line][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section style=”margin: 0px; padding: 15px 0px 55px; “][cs_row style=”margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; ” inner_container=”true”][cs_column class=”miniH4″ style=”padding: 0px; ” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” class=”center-text “]Causes of Weakness[/x_custom_headline][x_gap size=”50px”][x_feature_list animation_offset=”50″ animation_delay_initial=”0″ animation_delay_between=”300″][x_feature_box title=”Simple” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#db5842″ graphic_bg_color=”#43c6db” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”user-times” graphic_animation=”fadeInLeft” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]Doesn’t like complexity[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Beliefs” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#db5842″ graphic_bg_color=”#43c6db” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”user-times” graphic_animation=”fadeInLeft” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]Doesn’t think the future is knowable, so why try to strategize and control it[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Inexperienced” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#db5842″ graphic_bg_color=”#43c6db” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”user-times” graphic_animation=”fadeInLeft” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]Does not have experience or education in how to think strategically[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Discomfort” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#db5842″ graphic_bg_color=”#43c6db” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”user-times” graphic_animation=”fadeInLeft” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]Is not comfortable speculating or guessing about the future[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Perspective” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#db5842″ graphic_bg_color=”#43c6db” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”user-times” graphic_animation=”fadeInLeft” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]Lacks a wide perspective of the situation to see the bigger picture[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Risk Averse” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#db5842″ graphic_bg_color=”#43c6db” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”user-times” graphic_animation=”fadeInLeft” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]Low risk taker; doesn’t like uncertainty[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Busy” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#db5842″ graphic_bg_color=”#43c6db” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”user-times” graphic_animation=”fadeInLeft” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]Too busy with today’s tasks to take the time to sit down to think and strategize[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=”Tactical” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#db5842″ graphic_bg_color=”#43c6db” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”user-times” graphic_animation=”fadeInLeft” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]Prefers to focus on short-term tasks to complete rather than thinking long-term[/x_feature_box][/x_feature_list][x_custom_headline level=”h3″ looks_like=”h5″ accent=”false” class=”center-text ” style=”color:#001123″]”If you have too many rear view mirrors, it will be difficult to see the road ahead.”

– Jeroen De Flander[/x_custom_headline][x_gap size=”50px”][x_line][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section style=”margin: 0px; padding: 70px 0px 0px; “][cs_row style=”margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; ” inner_container=”true”][cs_column style=”padding: 0px; ” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” class=”center-text man” style=”font-size: 2.5em;”]Advice[/x_custom_headline][x_gap size=”30px”][cs_text style=”margin: 0.5em 0 2em; font-size: 1.5em;” text_align=”none”]Review the simple application steps below and choose 1 or 2 things you can do to spur yourself on to further growth.[/cs_text][x_feature_list animation_offset=”50″ animation_delay_initial=”0″ animation_delay_between=”300″ class=”noH4″][x_feature_box title=” Reject Strategy?” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”badge” graphic_color=”#db5842″ graphic_bg_color=”#4293db” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”check” graphic_animation=”fadeInDown” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]REJECT STRATEGY? While it’s true that most strategic plans never work out as planned, that doesn’t mean that it was a wasted effort. Strategic plans lead to choices about resources and the best use of people. They lead to different staffing actions and different financial plans. Without some strategic plans, moving forward would be a total shot in the dark. Most failed companies or ministries got buried strategically, not tactically.[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=” Not Interested?” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”badge” graphic_color=”#db5842″ graphic_bg_color=”#4293db” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”check” graphic_animation=”fadeInDown” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]NOT INTERESTED? Many leaders are so wrapped up in today’s problems that they aren’t curious about tomorrow. They really don’t care about the long-term future. They believe there won’t be much of a future until we perform today. Being a visionary and a good strategist requires curiosity and imagination. It requires asking a creative variety of ‘what if’ questions. Nobody knows all the answers, but good strategists contiuously ask good questions. Without asking these strategic questions in advance, you risk the constant change happening in the world to outpace your ability to respond to it.[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=” Narrow Perspective?” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”badge” graphic_color=”#db5842″ graphic_bg_color=”#4293db” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”check” graphic_animation=”fadeInDown” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]NARROW PERSPECTIVE? Some people are very focused on a specific thing they do and they do it very well. They have prepared themselves for a narrow but satisfying career. Then someone tells them their job has changed, and they now have to be strategic. Being strategic requires a broad perspective. In addition to knowing one thing well, it requires that you know about a lot of things somewhat. As a leader, you need to determine what all you need to have a general understanding of and figure out how that relates to your strategy.[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=” Too Busy?” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”badge” graphic_color=”#db5842″ graphic_bg_color=”#4293db” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”check” graphic_animation=”fadeInDown” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]TOO BUSY? Solving today’s problems takes a lot of time. But you also have to make time for strategy. A good strategy releases future time because it makes choices clear and leads to less wasted effort, but it takes time to do. Delegation is usually the main key. Give away as much tactical day-to-day stuff as you can. Ask your people what they think they could do to give you more time for strategic reflection. Another key is better time management. Put an hour a week on your calendar for strategic reading and reflection throughout the year. Keep a log of ideas you get from others, magazines, etc. Focus on how these impact your team and/or strategy.[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=” Afraid of Speculating?” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”badge” graphic_color=”#db5842″ graphic_bg_color=”#4293db” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”check” graphic_animation=”fadeInDown” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]AFRAID OF SPECULATING? Strategic planning is the most uncertain thing leaders do. It requires making many assumptions about the unknown. Many conflict avoiders and perfectionists don’t like to make statements in public that they cannot back up with facts. Remember that most strategies can be challenged and questioned. There are no clean ways to win a debate over strategy. It really comes down to one subjective estimate versus another. And that’s OK.[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=” How to be Strategic” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”badge” graphic_color=”#db5842″ graphic_bg_color=”#4293db” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”check” graphic_animation=”fadeInDown” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]DON’T KNOW HOW TO BE STRATEGIC? Scan the Harvard Business Review and Sloan Review regularly. Read the three to five strategic case studies in Business Week every issue. Ask someone from your organization who is a good strategist to mentor you in strategy. Watch CEO’s talk about their businesses on TV. Volunteer to serve on a task force on a strategic issue. Look for training courses and workshops being offered that relate to strategic planning or thinking.[/x_feature_box][x_feature_box title=” Need More Help?” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”icon” graphic_size=”45px” graphic_shape=”badge” graphic_color=”#db5842″ graphic_bg_color=”#4293db” align_h=”left” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” child=”true” connector_width=”1px” connector_style=”dashed” connector_color=”#272727″ graphic_icon=”check” graphic_animation=”fadeInDown” connector_animation=”fadeIn”]NEED MORE HELP? Invite a strong strategic thinker outside of your team to hold a 2-3 day strategic planning event for you and your leadership team every 2 to 3 years. Spend time reviewing your team’s strengths, weaknessees, opportunities and threats, assess the current context, needs and trends related to your target audience group, and determine how you want to adjust your strategy for the next 2-3 years.[/x_feature_box][/x_feature_list][x_gap size=”50px”][x_line][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section style=”margin: 0px; padding: 85px 0px 55px; ” bg_color=”#ffffff”][cs_row style=”margin: 0px auto 30px; padding: 0px; ” inner_container=”true”][cs_column style=”padding: 0px; ” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” class=”center-text man”]Resources[/x_custom_headline][x_gap size=”30px”][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row style=”margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; ” inner_container=”true”][cs_column style=”padding: 0px; ” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/2″][x_accordion][x_accordion_item title=”Books ” open=”false”]

 

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