How can you assess the strategic thinking skills of senior executives?

1 Define strategic thinking

Before you can assess strategic thinking, you need to define what it means for your organization and your specific context. Strategic thinking is not a one-size-fits-all concept, but a combination of skills, attitudes, and behaviors that enable leaders to create and execute effective strategies. To do this, it is important to have a clear understanding of the mission, vision, and goals of the organization, as well as analyze the external and internal environment. Additionally, key issues, objectives, and actions should be identified and prioritized. Generating and evaluating multiple options and scenarios is also necessary for successful strategy development. Finally, it is important to communicate and align the strategy with stakeholders and teams, as well as monitor and adjust the strategy based on feedback and results.

2 Use multiple methods

To assess strategic thinking skills, you can use multiple methods that capture different aspects and levels of the skill. Interviews can be conducted to ask open-ended questions to probe the candidate's or employee's strategic thinking process. Assessments such as the Strategic Thinking Questionnaire (STQ), the Strategic Thinking Indicator (STI), or the California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST) can be used to measure cognitive, behavioral, and motivational aspects. Simulations can be designed or used to apply their strategic thinking skills in a simulated environment, such as a business case, a role-play, or a game. Portfolios can also be requested to provide examples of their previous or current work that demonstrate their strategic thinking skills. All these methods will help you observe and evaluate how they handle situations, what decisions they make, and what outcomes they achieve.

3 Provide feedback and development

Assessing strategic thinking skills is not enough. To help potential or current leaders improve and grow their strategic thinking skills, you need to provide feedback and development opportunities. This can be done by giving constructive and specific feedback on the strengths and areas of improvement based on assessment methods, as well as encouraging them to seek feedback from others. Additionally, you can design or recommend learning activities that challenge and enhance the candidate's or employee's strategic thinking skills, such as courses, workshops, webinars, books, or podcasts. You can also provide them with opportunities to practice and apply their skills in real or simulated situations. Moreover, creating or fostering a culture and environment that supports and values strategic thinking is important. By using these tips and tools, you can assess and develop the strategic thinking skills of your potential or current leaders and help them achieve their goals and vision.

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?