Are You a Strategic Thinker

Are You a Strategic Thinker Have you ever wondered exactly what a strategic thinker is or does? I see it a lot on resumes.   I hear it a lot when people use the elevator pitches, I hear MBA programs selling that they teach it, Ive seen it as an area for evaluation on performance reviews but you know whatI cant seem to get my brain around it.   It sounds good, but really, what does it look like? In an earlier post, Leading A Team of One youll find THINKING STRATEGICALLY and other skills/abilities of a leader listed and defined: Thinking Strategically Formulates strategies that are achievable, cost-effective, and address organizational goals by themselves or in coordination with other strategies. Formulates strategies that take organizations strengths and weaknesses into account. Researches, interprets, and reports on long-term customer/client trends for the purpose of formulating policy and strategy. Provides analysis of policy issues, develops program proposals, and develops plans that address long-term customer and stakeholder needs and concerns. This isnt really helping me, does it help you? These sound like problem solving skills to me, mixed with a bit of creativity.   But, you know what would sell this clearly to anyone?   Instead of using the words, strategic thinker, tell a story of a time you solved and implemented a solution!   You can view a template of how to write these stories here:   Accomplishments-1. In I just did my job there are some questions for your to brainstorm to get you thinking about your accomplishments (or times you solved problems). And, by the way, if you know of any simple, great definition of strategic thinking, please share it with us in a comment!