Resources for Learning about the Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking

I was recently asked to provide a list of resources to learn more about the disciplines of strategic thinking, which I summarized in my recent book, The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking .

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? Pattern recognition

? Systems Analysis

? Mental Agility

? Structured Problem-solving

?Visioning

?Political Savvy

Here is a list of the best resources I know of for each of these topics:

Pattern Recognition

• "Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking" by Malcolm Gladwell – Explores how snap judgments and rapid pattern recognition can lead to better decision-making, examining the power of unconscious processing in our daily lives.
• "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman – Investigates how our minds operate through two distinct systems of thinking, revealing common cognitive biases and the patterns behind our decision-making processes.
• "Superforecasting: The Art and Science of Prediction" by Philip E. Tetlock and Dan M. Gardner – Examines the characteristics and methods of exceptional forecasters, highlighting how they recognize patterns and adjust predictions based on new information.

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Systems Analysis

• "Thinking in Systems: A Primer" by Donella H. Meadows – Provides a comprehensive introduction to systems thinking, offering practical tools for understanding complex interconnections within organizations and natural systems.
• "The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of The Learning Organization" by Peter M. Senge – Explores how organizations can thrive through systems thinking, team learning, and building shared vision, emphasizing the interconnected nature of organizational challenges.

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Mental Agility

• "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu – Presents timeless principles of strategy and tactical thinking, teaching readers how to adapt their approach in competitive and uncertain environments.
• "The Art of Strategy" by Avinash K. Dixit and Barry J. Nalebuff – Applies game theory concepts to everyday situations, helping readers develop strategic thinking skills and anticipate others' actions in complex scenarios.

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Structured Problem-Solving

• "Solvable: A Simple Solution to Complex Problems" by Albrecht Enders and Arnaud Chevallie – Presents a clear, systematic approach to breaking down and solving complex problems, offering practical frameworks for individuals and teams.
• "Scenario Planning in Organizations" by Thomas J. Chermack – Outlines a comprehensive methodology for developing and using scenarios to enhance strategic planning and decision-making in uncertain environments.
• "The McKinsey Mind" by Ethan M. Rasiel and Paul N. Friga – Details the problem-solving methods used by top consultants, providing practical tools for analyzing issues and implementing effective solutions.

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Visioning

• "Thinking about the Future" by Andy Hines and Peter Bishop – ?Provides structured guidelines for strategic foresight, helping leaders identify and prepare for future trends and opportunities.
• "Building Your Company's Vision" by James C. Collins and Jerry I. Porra – Explains how to create and maintain a compelling organizational vision that drives long-term success and sustainable growth.
• "Start with Why" by Simon Sinek – Demonstrates how successful leaders and organizations inspire action by clearly articulating their fundamental purpose and core beliefs.

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Political Savvy

• "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion" by Robert Cialdini – Examines the key principles of influence and persuasion, providing practical insights for building consensus and achieving organizational goals.
• "Power: Why Some People Have It and Others Don't" by Jeffrey Pfeffer – Analyzes the dynamics of organizational power, offering practical strategies for building and maintaining influence in professional settings.
• "3-D Negotiation" by David A. Lax and James K. Sebenius – Presents a comprehensive approach to negotiation that combines tactical, deal design, and strategic elements to achieve superior results.

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