Leading with Strategic Thinking - by Aaron K Olson & B Keith Simerson (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

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.

From the Back Cover

There are countless books on strategic thinking, and even more on leadership. But so far none have effectively integrated these two topics into a practical guide for leaders who want to promote strategic thinking within their organizations. Leading with Strategic Thinking fills this gap with a focus on taking action. This book also redefines strategy, bringing together insights from cognitive psychology, systems theory, and other fields to show that the importance of strategic thought transcends planning and permeates every aspect and every level of business.

Too often, leaders think of strategy as one item on a long list of tasks they must attend to. Developing strategic plans is important, but long-term value creation does not and cannot end there. Instead, strategy is a frame of mind. And it is becoming all the more important in our era of technological and social disruptions. These changes in the status quo create massive opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and advancement. Leading with Strategic Thinking will show you how to recognize these opportunities daily, and how to achieve strategic buy-in among line managers and employees. By assimilating strategy into the every day, leaders have the potential to vastly improve organization-wide outcomes.

Effective leaders understand that, as circumstances evolve, so do the roles of executives and upper management. Thankfully, Leading with Strategic Thinking does not promote a one-size-fits all leadership approach. Instead, the authors describe four types of strategic leadership, each one of which can be adapted to particular situations. Examples and case studies show how real leaders have used these techniques to improve results. The authors' insightful discussion will help you identify your own personal leadership strengths and use these to drive the right change at the right time.

Applying strategic thought to dynamic environments requires an understanding of how to drive strategy by utilizing skills that are appropriate to the moment. The authors of Leading with Strategic Thinking distinguish between core competencies and applied competencies--a distinction that leaders will find enormously helpful as they respond to the demands of their specific environments. With the help of the tools and resources in this book, you can begin applying this strategic leadership framework right away.Whether embarking on a new project or seeking to improve overall performance, Leading with Strategic Thinking should inspire you to have a greater impact, today and into the future.

Review Quotes

About the Author

AARON K. OLSON is Chief Talent Officer at Aon, a worldwide leader in risk management and human resource solutions. Aaron is on the Faculty of Northwestern University's School of Education and Social Policy.

B. KEITH SIMERSON helps private- and public-sector organizations develop strategic plans and provides consultation, executive coaching, and leadership development. B.K. is on the Faculty of Northwestern University's School of Education and Social Policy.