Strategic Thinking
To think strategically means to reflect on a variety of factors, that are both directly and indirectly related to each other, to make decisions. Put another way, thinking strategically means to understand context by assessing and synthesizing a broad range of information related to complex tasks or situations. A strategic thinker can analyze information critically, identify logical solutions and create plans that build on ideas, balance priorities with a long-term vision and evaluate risks and opportunities. Strategic thinking integrates everyday tasks, long-term goals and identifies the gaps in an overall vision.
This page is divided in the following sub-topics:
- Introduction to Strategic Thinking
- Data Driven Decision Making
- Problem Solving
- Seeing the Big Picture and Systme Thinking
- The Strategic Management Role
- Additional Resources
Many of the following learning activities are informal so don’t forget to take credit for your learning by manually adding your activity to your learning history in Saba.
Introduction to Strategic Thinking
La démarche stratégique (French-only) (The Strategic Method)
This video will help you to understand the 3 steps of strategic thinking: analysis, decision-making and implementation.
Subtitles available in the original language of the video.
- Duration:
- 5 minutes
- Methodology:
- Video
- Course ID:
- N/A
Strategic Thinking Made Easy (English-only)
In this short introduction to strategic thinking skills, learn four basic steps you can take to apply strategic thinking in the workplace.
Subtitles available in the original language of the video.
- Duration:
- 5 minutes
- Methodology:
- Video
- Course ID:
- N/A
Thinking Self-Assessment
Thinking is the ability to find information, identify and evaluate solutions to a problem, make decisions, and plan and organize daily tasks. Strong thinking skills are essential to improving success in the workplace (e.g. knowing how to deal with a difficult client or effectively managing your workload).
Use this self-evaluation online tool to better understand your strengths and areas to improve in regards to your thinking skills.
- Duration:
- 20 minutes
- Methodology:
- Web-based
- Course ID:
- N/A
Thinking Tip Sheet
This tool provides tips to help you improve your thinking skills with a focus on problem solving, making decisions and planning and organizing tasks. Review each of the tips and practice the ones that are most relevant to your learning needs.
- Duration:
- 1 hour
- Methodology:
- Web-based
- Course ID:
- N/A
Data Driven Decision Making
Before you learn more about data driven decision-making, you may be interested in developing your Data Literacy. Check out the Data Literacy page to learn more on this related topic.
Reaching Sound Conclusions
When drawing conclusions, you analyze and weigh the data and information you have to support taking action. In this course, you will learn about the process of drawing a logical conclusion with the help of questions and diagramming tools.
- Duration:
- 30 minutes
- Methodology:
- Web-based
- Course ID:
- D012
Research Methods Directory
Want to discover new ways of doing things, new ideas, or base your decisions on factual data? Access the research methods directory from GCexperimentation. This directory offers introductions on a number of methods used in exploration and experimentation to support you in your projects.
- Duration:
- Variable
- Methodology:
- Reading
- Course ID:
- N/A
Before you learn more about data driven decision-making, you may be interested in developing your Data Literacy. Check out the iService page on Data Literacy page to learn more on this related topic.
Video Series
The “Strategic Thinking series” below is a set of short videos that describe Strategic Thinking from awareness to the application of the concept.
Research: Why Do It? A Quick Introduction
In this module, you will become more aware of the purpose of research in the public sector and its application in the execution of programs and policies intended for Canadian citizens.
- Duration:
- 15 minutes
- Methodology:
- Video
- Course ID:
- 00007809
Receiving the Assignment
In this module, you will learn how to ask the right questions before beginning your research.
- Duration:
- 15 minutes
- Methodology:
- Video
- Course ID:
- 00015423
Using Strategy to Find Other Offices and Jurisdictions who Might be Looking into Similar Issues
In this module, learn more about what to do before beginning business research in order to avoid the duplication of work and save time and money.
- Duration:
- 10 minutes
- Methodology:
- Video
- Course ID:
- 00015434
An Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
This module explores the characteristics, objectives and different methods involved in qualitative research. At the end of the module, you will understand the steps involved in the qualitative research process.
- Duration:
- 15 minutes
- Methodology:
- Video
- Course ID:
- 00015437
An Introduction to Key Quantitative Research Methods
In this module, learn more about the main objectives of quantitative research, examine the observation strategy and refer to surveys in order to design them as closed questions. You will also learn about the main steps involved in data collection and will have access to a case study.
- Duration:
- 10 minutes
- Methodology:
- Video
- Course ID:
- 00015439
Strategizing to Create New Data
In this module, explore internal data collection strategies to increase data quality and improve the quality of the final report.
- Duration:
- 20 minutes
- Methodology:
- Video
- Course ID:
- 00015442
End-Use Strategizing
This module explores the last step in the research process: preparation and presentation of the final report.
- Duration:
- 15 minutes
- Methodology:
- Video
- Course ID:
- 00015443
Problem Solving
Getting to the Root of a Problem
Articulating a problem requires asking the right people the right questions. In this course, you will learn about identifying stakeholders, gaining their input and trust, and using analysis techniques to get to the root cause of a problem.
- Duration:
- 30 minutes
- Methodology:
- Web-based
- Course ID:
- T041
Defining Alternative Solutions to a Problem
Part of problem solving is creating alternative solutions. In this course, you will learn how to define ideal states, and generate and evaluate solutions. You will also learn how to recognize and avoid common problem-solving pitfalls.
- Duration:
- 30 minutes
- Methodology:
- Web-based
- Course ID:
- D009
Wicked Problems and Clumsy Solutions with Prof. Keith Grint
In this presentation by Keith Grint, Professor of Public Leadership & Management at the Warwick Business School, learn more about different categories of problems and the appropriate way to navigate through them by using the right management method. This event was recorded on June 1, 2012.
In the search bar of GC campus, write “Grint” to find this video.
The transcription is available in French and in English. Subtitles only available in English.
- Duration:
- 1 hour
- Methodology:
- Video
- Course ID:
- N/A
Choosing and Using the Best Solution
The time has come to make a final decision. In this course, you will learn how to make smart decisions based on key criteria and decision-making styles. You will also learn how to plan, manage, evaluate and celebrate solution implementation.
- Duration:
- 30 minutes
- Methodology:
- Web-based
- Course ID:
- D007
Problem Solved! A Guide to Practice Strategic Thinking Skills
This tool includes various problem-solving techniques, activities and worksheets that can help you practice and improve your problem-solving skills.
- Duration:
- 20 minutes
- Methodology:
- Web-based
- Course ID:
- N/A
From Prototyping to Problem Solving
Watch this bus ride to see nine examples of multidisciplinary teams who used a problem solving approach to propose solutions and develop a prototype designed to solve real business problems.
- Duration:
- 6 minutes
- Methodology:
- Web-based
- Course ID:
- N/A
Résolution de problèmes: Méthodes, outils, retours d'expériences (French only) (Problem solving: Methods, tools and case studies)
René Robin, François Pernin and Daniel Crépin introduce a 7-step problem-solving method, a toolbox and numerous examples in both the private and public sector.
Find this book at your favorite library or purchase it from a book retailer ($40 to $50 depending on format).
- Duration:
- Variable – 300 pages
- Methodology:
- Reading
- eBook available:
- No
Cartographie décisionnelle, 2e édition: Outil pratique d'aide à la décision – Jocelyn Benoît (French only) (Decision mapping : decision making practical tool)
Read this book to learn how to use decision mapping—a simple yet rigorous process that leads to effective problem solving—and develop critical thinking, decision-making skills and improve your capacity to effectively communication of decisions.
Find this book at your local library or purchase it from a book retailer ($15 to $30, depending on format).
- Duration:
- Variable – 100 pages
- Methodology:
- Reading
- eBook available:
- Yes
- Equivalent:
- Handbook of Decision Making by Paul C. Nutt and David C. Wilson.
Handbook of Decision Making – Paul C. Nutt and David C. Wilson (English only)
Learn about a wide range of theoretical and empirical approaches to the understanding of organizational and strategic decisions. This handbook offers a wide variety of perspectives, topics, and summative understanding of the field.
Find this book at your favorite library or purchase it from a book retailer ($70 to $120 depending on format).
- Duration:
- Variable – 720 pages
- Methodology:
- Reading
- eBook available:
- Yes
- Equivalent:
- "Cartographie décisionnelle, 2e édition: outil pratique d'aide à la décision”, by Jocelyn Benoit.
Seeing the Big Picture and Systems Thinking
When going about the design or implementation of an innovative process, idea or project, you must stay conscious of certain aspects of your environment and stakeholders. Systems thinking will bring your big picture vision to one that is more hands on. Access the resources below to learn more about how to go about using systemic thinking.
Systems thinking is closely linked to business process management. You may be interested by the business process management page.
A Systems Story – by BEE Environmental Communication (English only)
Haven’t heard of systems thinking? Watch this short video that explains the basics of systems thinking using simple language.
BEE Environmental Communication provides learners with a downloadable glossary of terms used in the video.
Self generated English subtitles are available Along a transcript with, available below the video.
- Duration:
- 5 minutes
- Methodology:
- Video
- Course ID:
- N/A
Pensée systémique: Les chats de Bornéo (French only) (Systems Thinking – Borneo’s Cats)
This short video will raise your awareness of the importance of systems thinking and of seeing the big picture.
Self generated French subtitles are available.
- Duration:
- 3 minutes
- Methodology:
- Video
- Course ID:
- N/A
Using Strategic Thinking to Consider the Big Picture
Big-picture thinking stretches beyond the short-term to consider how an organization can succeed in the longer term. This course describes how the ideas of systems thinking can help you elevate your perspective, become skillful at making sense of opposites and contradictions, and better understand cause and effect while managing your team. It also explains actions that you can take to encourage big-picture thinking and how understanding the organizational value chain can help you connect to the organization's strategy and strategic plans and implement them more effectively.
- Duration:
- 30 minutes
- Methodology:
- Web-based
- Course ID:
- G028
L'approche systémique: Pour gérer l'incertitude et la complexité – by Arlette Yatchinovsky (French only) (Using a Systemic Approach in Management)
Read this book by Arlette Yatchinovsky, published in 2012, to learn how to quickly take a global look at complex issues. This book provides a solid method and tools that support global thinking and develop a systemic approach across multiple spheres of interest and different levels of control.
Find this book at your local library or purchase it from a book retailer ($30 to $75, depending on format).
- Duration:
- Variable – 190 pages
- Methodology:
- Reading
- Course ID:
- N/A
- eBook available:
- Yes
- Equivalent:
- “Systems Thinking for EVERYONE - the Journey from Theory to Making an Impact” by Ockie Bosch and Nam Cao Nguyen.
Systems Thinking for EVERYONE - the Journey from Theory to Making an Impact – by Ockie Bosch and Nam Cao Nguyen (English only)
Read this book by Ockie Bosch and Nam Cao Nguyen, to learn about the basics of systems thinking like the integration of stakeholders, the identification of root causes and developing a “big picture” vision.
Find this book at your local library or purchase it from a book retailer ($10 to $15, depending on format).
- Duration:
- Variable – 150 pages
- Methodology:
- Reading
- Course ID:
- N/A
- eBook available:
- Yes
- Equivalent:
- “L'approche systémique: Pour gérer l'incertitude et la complexité” by Arlette Yatchinovsky.
The Systems Thinking Playbook: Exercises to Stretch and Build Learning and Systems Thinking Capabilities – by Linda Booth Sweeney, Dennis Meadows (English only)
Want to put your new systems thinking skills into practice? This playbook, accompanied by a DVD, presents many different activities to perform to develop and exercise your systems thinking.
Find this book at your local library or purchase it from a book retailer ($15 to $60, depending on format).
- Duration:
- Variable – 250 pages
- Methodology:
- Reading
- Course ID:
- N/A
- eBook available:
- Yes
The Strategic Management Role
Leadership Advantage: Developing a Business Execution Culture 3.0
This is an online, self-paced, course designed for employees with management responsibilities. Developing a business execution culture challenges leaders to attend to three equally important areas: developing a sound strategy for moving into the future, making sure the team around them is equipped to execute the strategy, and creating an operating plan for people to follow.
This program is designed to help you recognize the leader's role in creating a business execution culture, determine effective business execution characteristics in business situations, recognize effective and ineffective approaches to creating a business execution culture, and choose solutions to execution challenges in business scenarios.
- Duration:
- 2 hours
- Methodology:
- Web-based
- Course ID:
- X015
Thinking Strategically as a Manager
It's important that all professionals in an organization learn how to think strategically to be effective in their management tasks. This course explores the characteristics of strategic thinking as well as the traits you need to be an effective strategic thinker. It also covers how to develop your capacity for thinking strategically while being creative, preparing to deal with complexity, and being aware of what's going on inside and outside your organization.
- Duration:
- 30 minutes
- Methodology:
- Web-based
- Course ID:
- G026
Leading Strategically
This course, designed for directors and experienced managers, contributes to a public service that is inclusive and reflective of Canadian society. It encourages participants to reflect on and discuss their roles in helping to shape a continued renewed work environment and priorities. Participants will benefit from a blended learning approach that supports the development of key leadership competencies; this includes 7 to 10 hours of mandatory pre-course assignments that must be completed before joining the classroom.
- Duration:
- 15 hours
- Methodology:
- Instructor-led / Classroom
- Course ID:
- P113
Devenez un as de la stratégie – Jean Blaise Mimbang, Christophe Speth and Thomas del Marmol (French only)
Learn about the theory behind dominant economic thinking and trends in strategy as well practical models. Devenez un as de la stratégie provides concrete examples and case studies so that you can go straight from the book to create well-thought-out global strategic plans.
Find this book at your local library or purchase it from a book retailer ($15 to $30, depending on format).
- Duration:
- Variable – 215 pages
- Methodology:
- Reading
- Course ID
- N/A
- eBook available:
- Yes
- Equivalent:
- "Key Management Models, 3rd Edition: The 75+ Models Every Manager Needs to Know”, by Gerben Van Den Berg and Paul Pietersma.
Key Management Models, 3rd Edition: The 75+ Models Every Manager Needs to Know – Gerben Van den Berg and Paul Pietersma (English-only)
Learn about all of the management models you will ever need to know about. SWOT, PESTEL, Porter, etc. are presented with brevity and clarity, giving you short, practical overviews in an easy-to-use, ready reference format.
Find this book at your local library or purchase it from a book retailer ($30 to $50, depending on format).
- Duration:
- Variable – 350 pages
- Methodology:
- Reading
- Course ID:
- N/A
- eBook available:
- Yes
- Equivalent:
- “Devenez un as de la stratégie” by Jean Blaise Mimbang, Christophe Speth, and Thomas Del Marmol.
Additional Resources
Gartner (CEB) Subscription Service (primarily English only)
Did you know that you can further your understanding of strategic thinking through the Gartner (CEB) subscription service? To access a host of articles, discussions and events, all you need to do is:
- Create an account
- Search their catalogue with the keywords ‘’strategic planning’’ and ‘’problem solving’’.
Mouvement québécois de la qualité (French only)
Did you know that you have access to the Mouvement québécois de la qualité’s resources? To access a host articles, job-aids and trainings, all you need to do is:
- Create an account
- earch their catalogue with the keywords ‘’stratégie’’ ‘’résolution de problèmes’’ and ‘’réflexion’’.
Be sure to browse the College@ESDC’s complete offering on competencies that support transformation such as change management, project management, and risk management.
If you have questions about these offerings, contact your Learning Coordinator (NCR) or your Learning Centre (regions).