OPR: What is the advantage of using critical thinking methods when doing strategic planning?

BPI: Ideally a strategic plan grows from an accurate understanding of current issues – a snapshot of the current reality. Critical thinking methods can be used to make sure this snapshot is accurate and in focus.

OPR: So critical thinking can identify and organize the information needed to begin the strategic planning process?

BPI: Yes. Clear thinking about the current reality is a prerequisite to moving forward to a new future. You need a big picture perspective, but one based on realty.

OPR: Are there other places where critical thinking supports strategic planning?

BPI: Yes. A strategic plan must be implemented. So, it should be planned like a project. I especially like what Terry Sinnott (OPR’s strategic planning expert) does with this. The main project incorporates many smaller projects all tied to critical success indicators. The plan creates an operational cascade so that changes are coordinated throughout the organization.

Using a basic project management process for each level provides the tools needed to clarify the subprojects and make sure action steps are defined, tracked and accomplished.

OPR: Is strategic planning all about planning and project management then?

BPI: Actually key decisions must be made before the planning and implementation portions. The quality of the decisions will determine the upper limits of success for the strategic initiative.

OPR: So, this is another area where critical thinking plays a role?

BPI: Yes. And don’t forget that once the critical success indicators are defined for the organizational units that these units will need to be able to assess their current realities and make decisions about what must be done to improve along the lines of the strategic focus. This will require a means to think systematically and collaboratively for best results.

OPR: Would you please give a bird’s eye view of the critical thinking tools and how they contribute to strategic planning?

BPI: OK. Starting at the top Concern Analysis is used to get an accurate picture of the current reality defining specific issues and their priorities. Decision Making is used to evaluate how best to attack this reality. At the unit level Concern Analysis, Problem Solving and Decision Making are used to improve operations as measured by the critical success indicators. And, basic project management tools make sure that projects and subprojects are defined clearly and implemented systematically.