The 6 Disciplines of Strategic Thinking | Michael Watkins

This podcast episode focuses on the six key disciplines of strategic thinking, arguing that while some innate aptitude is helpful, significant improvement is achievable through focused development. The speaker, Michael Watkins, a professor of leadership and organizational change, outlines these disciplines: pattern recognition, systems analysis, mental agility (including "cloud-to-ground" thinking), structured problem-solving, visioning (balancing ambition and achievability), and navigating organizational politics (including sequencing strategies). He emphasizes the growing importance of strategic thinking for career advancement, highlighting its role in navigating complexity and achieving organizational goals. The episode concludes by emphasizing the potential for significant improvement in strategic thinking skills.