Be a more effective leader with strategic thinking

Leading with Strategic Thinking reveals what effective leaders do differently. Eschewing the one-size-fits-all leadership model, this helpful guide outlines four general leadership types and demonstrates how each type achieves success – whether through personal vision, structured process, collaboration, or by empowering others. The authors identify the actions and skills that distinguish strategic leadership, drawn from interviews and focus groups with over three hundred leaders from around the world. Examples and case studies illustrate these concepts in action, and the provided reference materials steer readers toward more advanced information on this important topic.

The disruptive forces of technology and globalization raise new challenges for leaders. This book is a manual that will help executives and aspiring leaders harness these forces and address the two central questions of strategic leadership:

• How do the best leaders develop their strategy?
• How do effective leaders drive strategic change?

Becoming a strategic leader isn’t about mimicking an icon. The most effective leaders seize opportunity in a way that consciously integrates environmental requirements, stakeholder expectations, and personal ability. Leading with Strategic Thinking shows what these leaders do, and gives anyone the tools to be a more strategic leader.

Increasing complexity throughout the world and within organizations raises new challenges for leaders charged with forming and executing strategy.  The most effective leaders address this complexity in a way that consciously integrates environmental requirements, stakeholder expectations and personal ability. Rather than providing a formulaic one-size-fits-all approach to strategic management, Leading With Strategic Thinking defines four types of strategic leadership. The Futurist driving strategy through personal vision The Director driving strategy through a structured process The Opportunist driving strategy through networking and co-creation The Incubator driving strategy through empowering others Leading With Strategic Thinking is useful and practical, focusing on the multitude of factors contributing to an effective strategic planning and the enablers of successful execution. The book provides actionable guidelines, in the form of checklists and templates, as well as examples and case studies, and reference materials to help readers further explore this important topic.