Strategic Thinking is a specific way of thinking through a situation, project or landscape to gain clarity and respond in ways that align with your goals. It’s an art, a science and a practice all rolled into one — and it’s a thinking skill that can be taught. In this Strategic Thinking workshop, with the philosopher and founder of Philosophy at Work, Dr. Brennan Jacoby, you’ll learn practical ways to weave strategic thinking into your day-to-day work. You’ll leave with greater confidence in the face of complex challenges, and you’ll be better able to set out a clear, well-formed roadmap on any given project.

What we’ll cover:

• Develop a more nuanced understanding of strategic thinking.
• Identify areas of your work where strategic thinking can add value.
• Practice using a framework for thinking strategically by yourself.
• Learn a tool that will help you think strategically in a group.
• Create a personal, strategic plan for embedding your learning from the session in your day-to-day work.

Why is it important for people to learn this skill?

Analytical skills are crucial at this time. Whether that’s because of AI, change and uncertainty, or the sheer quantity of information that professionals need to digest, how you think is a key asset and professional differentiator. Strategic thinking is one of the most practical and applied ways that analytical skills show up at work. More specifically, managers and teams alike will benefit from strategic thinking because it will help them respond purposefully and intelligently (rather than just reacting) to changes that impact projects and the business more broadly.

Who is this relevant for?

Everyone. Senior professionals are usually more aware of their need to think strategically because they are tasked with writing strategies and making strategic decisions. But everyone throughout the business needs to be thinking strategically. Even people in the most entry-level roles can add value to the business, and make their work more meaningful by thinking through how to complete tasks strategically.

About the Subject Matter Expert

Dr Brennan Jacoby is a philosopher and the founder of Philosophy at Work, a collective of philosophers, business psychologists, authors and practitioners teaching the skills professionals need to think their best. Brennan holds a B.A., M.A. and Ph.D in philosophy, and his doctoral work analysed trust in the context of interpersonal relationships and corporate character. With Philosophy at Work, he helps businesses and their people develop the psychological safety and analytical skills they need to think their best as they navigate an ever-changing professional landscape. Recent projects include helping Deloitte cultivate a growth mindset, supporting Sky’s 250-strong executive team expand their reflective and strategic thinking practices, and enhancing curiosity across Sony Music’s global community. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Brennan studied in Sydney, Australia and is now based near Oxford, UK.