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Brain Circuits
Are you ready now? A strategic thinking test for leaders
Strategic thinking is a critical leadership capability, yet leaders often avoid really going there out of fear for what the future might bring. Take this assessment test to gauge your readiness, and check out the practical steps on getting started
Strategic thinking readiness assessment
Rate yourself on a scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree) for each statement:
Statement
Rating (1-5)
I regularly set aside dedicated time for strategic thinking and planning.
1 2 3 4 5
I feel comfortable dealing with ambiguity and uncertainty in decision-making.
1 2 3 4 5
I actively seek out diverse perspectives when considering future scenarios.
1 2 3 4 5
I regularly read about trends and developments outside my immediate industry.
1 2 3 4 5
I can balance daily operations with long-term strategic planning effectively.
1 2 3 4 5
I’m confident in my ability to identify potential future challenges and opportunities.
1 2 3 4 5
I regularly engage my team in strategic discussions and planning.
1 2 3 4 5
I’m comfortable acknowledging what I don’t know and seeking input from others.
1 2 3 4 5
I have a clear process for turning strategic insights into action plans.
1 2 3 4 5
I regularly review and adjust my strategic assumptions and plans.
1 2 3 4 5
Calculate your total score
What your score says about your strategic thinking capability:
40-50 Strategic thinking champion
You excel at strategic thinking and are well-prepared for future challenges.
30-39 Strategic thinking emerging
You show strong strategic thinking skills with room for further development.
20-29 Strategic thinking developing
You’re building foundational skills and awareness; continued practice will strengthen your mindset.
10-19 Strategic thinking beginning
You’re at the start of your strategic thinking journey; more focus and practice will enhance your readiness.
Steps to get started
Start small and smart
- Schedule just 15 minutes of focused strategic thinking daily. It could be reviewing industry articles and trend reports or simply reflecting on an open-ended ‘what if’ question about the industry. Small doses add up.
Engage your team
- Don’t think strategically in a vacuum. Introduce a discussion of ‘future trends’ into regular team meetings. Get diverse input on “What could change for us in two years?” Create brainstorming spaces where strategic discussion isn’t limited to your C-suite office.
Use support tools
- Dedicate a whiteboard, shared digital document, or segment of a wall to capture emerging questions and possible responses. Seeing strategic thinking as an ongoing process makes it less daunting.
Build capability
- Attend a workshop, watch an online course, or listen to a few targeted podcasts related to scenario planning, risk analysis, or strategic innovation techniques. Learning new information builds capability and confidence.
Foster a culture of curiosity
- Reward questions, acknowledge when you don’t have an immediate answer, and emphasize collaboratively seeking insights over always being the ‘source’ of answers. Let your team see vulnerability as a leadership strength in service of strategy.
Key takeaways
Strategic thinking is a fundamental leadership capability. It isn’t about predicting the future – it’s about being prepared for whatever the future brings. By acknowledging your fears and moving past them, you can position yourself to develop this crucial skill set.
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