July 20, 2022, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

TOP-SET trainees only. In-person. Limited seats.

In today’s dynamic and highly complex global economy, it is critically important for policy leaders to be strategic thinkers, an increasingly valued competency for senior managers in business as well as in government. Whether the objective is to introduce a new product line or develop a new policy direction, decision makers or managers supporting the decision-making process must be able to systematically identify the goals, emerging opportunities, and possible obstacles.

This course aims to guide students through a disciplined process to help a business or organization plan for and make transitions, and ultimately to devise the best course of actions. You will also gain a better insight into your own strategic thinking skills – are they up to par or could they use some enhancement?

Topics

  • What is Strategic Thinking?
  • Why is Strategic Thinking important?
  • Essential Traits of a Strategic Thinker
  • Essential success factors
  • Self-assessment – Faults or pitfalls to avoid – How to enhance personal strategic thinking abilities?
  • Step-by-step Strategic Thinking Process – Ensuring appropriate initial conditions are in place – Exploring feasible options – Description of potential methods – Devising tactics that contribute to successful outcomes – Performance evaluation
  • Practical exercises that illustrate the key concepts

Audience

Anyone who has responsibility for the development of strategic plans and policies to address the goals and objectives of a business or organization. Appropriate for participants who are relatively new to the work world, as well as for seasoned staff who wish to improve or refresh their strategic thinking skills.

Instructor

Bernard Gauthier, PhD’s background includes 35 years of communication work with clients, including the Government of Canada, national associations and private sector organizations. He has also trained hundreds of clients in different aspects of communication. Bernard researched and developed numerous strategic communication plans working with one of Canada’s top PR agencies, allowing him to develop the CARE Model, which became the basis for his 2018 book Strategic Communication in Canada. Bernard has taught at Carleton University and the Bachelor of Public Relations program at Conestoga College.