Leading with Strategic Thinking: Four Ways Effective Leaders Gain Insight, Drive Change, and Get Results

PRAISE FOR LEADING WITH STRATEGIC THINKING

This is an essential guide to understanding how to think and lead strategically. Olson and Simerson do a great job describing what distinguishes strategic leaders and companies.
Greg Case, CEO, Aon plc

There are many books that focus on strategy, and other books that focus on various components of leadership. However, Leading with Strategic Thinking is the first time I have seen strategy and leadership come together in a clear, compelling way. I learned a lot by reading this insightful book. This is an important read for all leaders that truly want to make a difference in their organizations.
Harry M. Jansen Kraemer, Jr., Former Chairman and CEO of Baxter International; Professor of Management at Northwestern University′s Kellogg School of Management; and author of From Values To Action and Becoming the Best

From Nelson Mandela to GE, this book uses a diverse range of real–life stories to show that strategic leadership can be emergent or planned, and can emanate from the top or the grassroots of organizations. As such, strategic leadership is applicable in any job or setting. The world needs strategic leadership now more than ever, and Olson and Simerson make the topic both practical and clear.
Carolyn Woo, CEO, Catholic Relief Services

Thinking and acting strategically should be at the core of everybody′s leadership, and Aaron Olson and BK Simerson have prepared a first–rate guidebook for doing so. Drawing on extensive contact with executives and companies known for their exceptional leadership, Leading with Strategic Thinking is an invaluable resource for all those seeking to strengthen strategic leadership in themselves and their enterprises.
Michael Useem, Professor of Management and Director of the Center for Leadership and Change at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania

This is an important book for all who want to be great at gleaning strategic insight and executing strategic change. The authors provide powerful examples of the tradeoffs associated with different strategic leadership styles and offer tested advice on how to develop your strategic skills.
Linda A. Hill, Wallace Brett Donham Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School; and author of Collective Genius: The Art and Practice of Leading Innovation

Preface

Introduction

Issues And Considerations

Fundamental Questions

Chapter 1 Fundamentals of Strategic Thinking and Leadership

The Nature Of Strategic Thinking

The Art Of Leadership

Chapter 2 The Four Types of Strategic Leadership

Fundamental Questions For The Strategic Leader

Four Types Of Strategic Leadership

Similarities And Differences

Chapter 3 Examples of Strategic Leadership

Four Examples

Wrap Up

Chapter 4 Applying Strategic Leadership

Gaining Strategic Insight

Driving Strategic Change

Integrating The Four Types

Integration                                                                                   

Chapter 5 Garnering Buy–in, Commitment, and Advocacy

Attaining Needed Buy–In, Commitment, And Advocacy

Winning Hearts, Engaging Minds And Leveraging Hands

Chapter 6 Developing Strategic Leadership

Competencies Of The Strategic Leader

Organization And Individual Development

In Closing

Resources

Firming Up And Rounding Out Your Skills And Abilities

References

About the Authors

Index

AARON K. OLSON is Chief Talent Officer at Aon, a worldwide leader in risk management and human resource solutions. Aaron is on the Faculty of Northwestern University′s School of Education and Social Policy.

B. KEITH SIMERSON helps private– and public–sector organizations develop strategic plans and provides consultation, executive coaching, and leadership development. B.K. is on the Faculty of Northwestern University′s School of Education and Social Policy.