ABSTRACT
Moving on to how we learn to think strategically, let’s start with what strategic thinking is. As we look closely at what strategic thinking is, it can be quite perplexing to discover that the term strategic thinking has become a favorite synonym or substitute for lots of vague notions. In other words, it is an overused, mis-used, and under-defi ned term. While there are many defi nitions of strategic thinking-some competing and some complementary-I work from the defi nition of strategic thinking as an intent-driven approach to strategy based on critical theory and supported by a complex cluster of cognitive capabilities that are distinct and different from strategic planning. This cognitive cluster includes the critical-refl ective processes (critical inquiry, critical refl ection, critical dialogue, and critical thinking) and the complex cognitive functions of conceptual, divergent, intuitive, polarity, creative, and critical thinking.
