Strategic Thinking and Writing

Michael Edmondson

• Publisher: Business Expert Press
• Year: 2018
• ISBN:
  9781949443424
• Topic: Business
• Subtopic: Management
• Index: Business

In today's hyper-connected, dynamic, and ever changing global marketplace, storytelling is the new strategic imperative for organizations that want to achieve and sustain growth. The power of narrative, however, is built upon the foundation of strategic thinking and writing. As technology has democratized the power to share stories with the world, succeeding in today's age of collaborative commerce demands that leaders on all levels develop and enhance the business competency of storytelling built on strategic thinking and writing in order to drive customer engagement, enhance business performance, and remain relevant.

Perhaps nowhere is the evidence of storytelling more prevalent than Amazon. In his 2018 annual letter, Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos repeated his rule that PowerPoint is banned in executive meetings. Bezos replaced PowerPoint slides with a six page narrative that executives prepare. The start of each meeting involves attendees reading the six page narrative for 30 minutes followed by a discussion. Writing the six page memo requires research, time, and multiple revisions. The six page memo also requires one to think and write strategically.

That's where this publication can help. Part one consists of three chapters that focus on examining the various definitions associated with thinking and the process of strategic thinking. Part two shifts the attention towards strategic writing and provides the reader with a step-by-step guide on how to create a clear, concise, and compelling six page memo.

PART 1

Thinking

CHAPTER 1

The Types of Thinking

The Definition of Thinking

Before we delve into the art of strategic business writing—and make no mistake about it, writing in any form is an art—we must first become familiar with thinking. In a May 25, 1946 New York Times article, Albert Einstein noted that “a new type of thinking is essential if mankind is to survive and move toward higher levels.” A common, modern corruption of his quote, “You cannot solve a problem with the same thinking that created it,” fills the search engine results when searching for a quote on thinking. Nevertheless, if you wish to move to the next level of your personal or professional development, learning how to think, plan, and write strategically remains a prerequisite. Thinking strategically requires one to set aside time to think hard, to consider new ideas, and to practice writing in order to present a clear, concise, and compelling story. How much time do you spend in thinking about how you think? Are you aware of how you process thoughts?

Is thinking solely a prerogative of humans? Not according to the latest research. Most scientists now feel they can say with confidence that some animals process information and express emotions in ways that are accompanied by conscious mental experience. An article in the March 14, 2017 edition of The Economist noted: “No animals have all the attributes of human minds; but almost all the attributes of human minds are found in some animal or other.” In short, thinking is important; spend time thinking about it.

Let’s begin our inquiry into the preparation for strategic business writing by understanding the various definitions associated with the words thinking or think. Lacking a clear definition of the words used presents a significant barrier to communication, education, and understanding. Before you begin any strategic business writing assignment, define the key words used in order to prevent any misunderstanding.

Thinking can be classified as both a noun and an adjective, while think can be defined as a verb.

Noun (thinking)

• The process of using one’s mind to consider or reason about something.

• A person’s ideas or opinions.

Adjective (thinking)

• Using thought or rational judgment; intelligent.

Verb (think)

• Have a particular opinion, belief, or idea about someone or something.

• Direct one’s mind toward someone or something; use one’s mind actively to form connected ideas.

• Take into account or consideration when deciding on a possible action.

• Consider the possibility or advantages of (a course of action).

• Have a particular mental attitude or approach.

• Have a particular opinion of.

• Call something to mind; remember.

• Imagine (an actual or possible situation).

• Expect.

• Concentrate on imagining what it would be like to be in (a position or role).

Thinking is hard work. Thinking about thinking is even more difficult. If you want to think and write strategically, however, you will need to learn to recognize what you are thinking about as well as how you think. Are you committed? Are you willing to put the time and energy into learning how to be a strategic thinker and writer? If you are, remember the words of Thomas Edison as you move forward: “Five percent of the people think; ten percent of the people think they think; and the other eighty-five percent would rather die than think.” What percentage do you belong to?

Self-Awareness Check

How often do you spend time thinking about how you think?

Why do you believe it is so difficult for people to think about thinking?

How often do you remind yourself, or others, that “You cannot solve a problem with the same thinking that created it?” Does doing so help you change your thinking?

Knowledge Check

1. Lacking a clear definition of words used presents a significant barrier to

a. Communication

b. Education

c. Understanding

d. All of the above

2. If you wish to move to the next level of your personal or professional development, learning how to think strategically remains

a. Unnecessary

b. Avoidable

c. A prerequisite

d. None of the above

3. Thinking, or think, can be classified as

a. A noun

b. An adjective

c. A preposition

d. Only a and b

4. When used as a noun, thinking means

a. The process of using one’s mind to consider or reason about something

b. A person’s ideas or opinions

c. Failing to make a decision

d. Both a and b

5. When used as a verb, think means to

a. Have a particular opinion, belief, or idea about someone or something

b. Direct one’s mind toward someone or something; use one’s mind actively to form connected ideas

c. Take into account or consideration when deciding on a possible action

d. All of the above

The Different Types of Thinking

There are various types of thinking that allow you to adapt to specific situations. Understanding the spectrum of thinking will provide a greater depth to your strategic business writing. As you review examples of strategic business writing in your research and preparation, see if you can identify one or more of the definitions the author has used. Doing so will make your own writing better, as you can then apply the appropriate type of thinking for a given situation.

Abstract thinking refers to the ability to use concepts to make and understand generalizations and then relating or connecting them to other items, events, or experiences. Example: An abstract thinker would see a flag as a symbol of a country or organization. They may also see it as a symbol of liberty and freedom.

Analytical thinking refers to the ability to separate a whole into its basic parts in order to examine the parts and their relationships. It involves thinking in a logical, step-by-step manner to break down a larger system of information into its parts. Example: An analytical thinker may study a bicycle to determine how it works or what is wrong with it.

Concrete thinking refers to the ability to comprehend and apply factual knowledge. It involves thinking only on the surface, always literal, and to the point. Example: A concrete thinker will look at a flag and only see specific colors, markings, or symbols that appear on the cloth.

Convergent thinking refers to the ability to put a number of different pieces or perspectives of a topic together in some organized, logical manner to find a single answer. It involves focusing on a finite number of solutions rather than proposing multiple solutions. Example: The deductive reasoning that the Sherlock Holmes used in solving mysteries is a good example of convergent thinking. By gathering various bits of information, he was able to put the pieces of a puzzle together and come up with a logical answer to the question of “Who done it?”

Creative thinking refers to the ability to conceive new and innovative ideas by breaking away from established thoughts, theories, rules, and procedures. It involves putting things together in new and imaginative ways. Creative thinking is often referred to as “thinking outside the box.” Example: A creative thinker may look at a product and think of new ways to use it or suggest an innovative solution to a problem.

Critical thinking refers to the ability to exercise careful evaluation or judgment in order to determine the authenticity, accuracy, worth, validity, or value of something. In addition to precise, objective analysis, critical thinking involves synthesis, evaluation, reflection, and reconstruction. Example: A triage nurse who analyzes the cases at hand and decides the order in which the patients should be treated is practicing critical thinking.

Divergent thinking refers to the ability to generate creative ideas by exploring many possible solutions in an effort to find one that works. It involves bringing facts and data togethe...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Contents
• Acknowledgments
• Introduction
• Part 1 Thinking
• Part 2 Writing
• About the Author
• Index