Big Think

The smartest people have mastered these 6 core skills | Michael Watkins for Big Think+

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May 22, 2025
In this engaging talk, Michael Watkins, a leadership professor at IMD Business School and the author of two influential books, unpacks the art of strategic thinking. He highlights how this skill is a mix of innate talent and learned disciplines. Watkins introduces six core skills, including pattern recognition and mental agility, which can be cultivated through practice. He emphasizes the importance of aligning stakeholder interests and mastering the sequencing of strategy, showcasing their immense impact on effective leadership and decision-making.
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INSIGHT

Strategic Thinking Is Nature Plus Nurture

  • Strategic thinking is a mix of natural ability, nurture, and experience.
  • Training and practice can significantly improve strategic thinking skills beyond natural endowment.
INSIGHT

Power of Pattern Recognition

  • Pattern recognition means finding meaningful trends amidst noise.
  • Like chess grandmasters, strategic thinkers see opportunities, power, and vulnerabilities.
INSIGHT

Understanding Systems Analysis

  • Systems analysis captures key features of complex systems despite simplifications.
  • Models help make reliable predictions by focusing on the most important system dynamics.
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