Leading with Strategic Thinking

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.

Be a more effective leader with strategic thinkingLeading with Strategic Thinking reveals what effectiveleaders do differently. Eschewing the one-size-fits-all leadershipmodel, this helpful guide outlines four general leadership typesand demonstrates how each type achieves success - whetherthrough personal vision, structured process, collaboration, or byempowering others. The authors identify the actions and skills thatdistinguish strategic leadership, drawn from interviews and focusgroups with over three hundred leaders from around the world.Examples and case studies illustrate these concepts in action, andthe provided reference materials steer readers toward more advancedinformation on this important topic.The disruptive forces of technology and globalization raise newchallenges for leaders. This book is a manual that will helpexecutives and aspiring leaders harness these forces and addressthe 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 thatconsciously integrates environmental requirements, stakeholderexpectations, and personal ability. Leading with StrategicThinking shows what these leaders do, and gives anyone thetools to be a more strategic leader.

Foreword xiKristi SavacoolPreface xvIntroduction xxiIssues and Considerations xxiFundamental Questions xxvChapter 1 Fundamentals of Strategic Thinking and Leadership 1The Nature of Strategic Thinking 1The Art of Leadership 22Chapter 2 The Four Types of Strategic Leadership 47The Visionary Type: Driving Strategy through Personal Insight 55The Directive Type: Driving Strategy through Structure and Process 71The Incubating Type: Driving Strategy through Empowering Others 84The Collaborative Type: Driving Strategy through Cocreation 99Chapter 3 Examples of Strategic Leadership 117Indiegogo 118P&G's Latin American Merger with Gillette 130Design for America 141Google Takeout 149Chapter 4 Applying Strategic Leadership 159Gaining Strategic Insight 160Driving Strategic Change 164Todd Connor and the Bunker 168Chapter 5 Garnering Buy-in, Commitment, and Advocacy 179Winning the Hearts of Your Followers 181The YMCA of the USA 184Engaging the Minds of Your Followers 192The United States Coast Guard 193Leveraging the Hands of Your Followers 201The Heartland Angels 203Chapter 6 Developing Strategic Leadership 211Competencies of the Strategic Leader 213Organization and Individual Development 237GE's Crotonville 242In Closing 247Resources 249Firming Up and Rounding Out Your Skills and Abilities 249Notes 261References 271About the Authors 279Index 28