Learning to Think Strategically, 4th Edition

By: Julia Sloan

Narrated by: Charlotte Kinder

Length: 12 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

Strategic thinking has become a core competency for business leaders globally. Overused and under-defined, the term is often used interchangeably with other strategic management terms. This book delineates and defines strategic thinking as an advanced, conceptual cognitive capability, focusing on the nonlinear, divergent, a-rational, and informal nature of strategic thinking. This unique and practical book is an original primer of how successful strategists learn to think strategically.

In this fourth edition, the author offers an expanded definition of strategic thinking based on critical theory. This book highlights the role of informal learning, underscores the relevance of engaging in the arts, and has global application for those tasked with making strategy in this rapidly changing world. Sloan presents a previously unexamined account of the relationship between strategic thinking and the learning process involved-taking learning from the academic to the everyday. New features include an expanded list of learning methods to develop strategic thinking, a more extensive look at global cultural perspectives of strategic thinking, and additional scenarios and case vignettes.

©2020 Julia Sloan (P)2020 Gildan Media

The value of "Learning to Think Strategically"

I just completed listening to the audio book "Learning to think strategically (4th Edition) by Julia Sloan. I think it is an excellent book for leaders of organizations and businesses and those top performers seeking to get to the next level in their careers. The book has insights on "strategic thinking" and how it relates and differentiates from strategic planning and strategy creation, though strategic thinking adds value to those engaged in those processes.

As a business owner of a boutique strategy firm I try to use my time wisely and Sloan's book was worth the time. I felt like in a graduate level graduate course on leadership. I really enjoy the tools offered by the author to enhance strategic thinking, such as using art to enhance generating strategic thinking insights. The narrator was good also in narrating the book.

The book served as my audio tool for when I worked on my cardio machine at home. So I would get a burst of energy through each new insight I gained on strategic thinking. I highly recommend this book for leaders interested in developing their strategic and for confirmation on what tools these leaders are using to incubate strategy and strategic planning

Thought Provoking

Julia has produced an informative guide to thinking more strategically building on 3 prior editions, while I have not read editions 1 to 3 reviews from those who have indicate much has been added to this edition such as a cheat sheet. However, this is where this audiobook fails, the lack of an accompanying PDF is a significant shortfall in what would have been a 5 star review.

A helpful map of vertical and lateral thinking

This is an insightful description of the complementary and contradictory skills needed in strategic thinking. The rational and the arational - vertical and lateral.

Interesting, slow and a little long…

Julia Sloan’s subject knowledge is strong but the pace of writing was a little slow. Any busy exec looking to gain further insight to open their minds could take the lessons in this book in half the time if the text and subject matter were more precise. I did take insight from the book but not 12hrs worth.