Tag: strategic thinking

Strategic Thinking

In the ever-evolving world of business, the ability to think strategically is paramount. One useful tool in this endeavor is the ‘Strategic Thinking MicroSkill Cheat Sheet’. By dividing strategic thinking into three main pillars – Logical, Creative, and Emotional – this cheat sheet provides a roadmap for honing our strategic prowess. Let’s delve deeper.

1. Logical Skills in Strategic Thinking:
These skills provide the foundation for critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making.

  • Anticipation: Predicting future changes or challenges allows companies to be proactive rather than reactive.
  • Meta-cognition: Understanding one’s own cognitive biases can prevent costly mistakes.
  • High-quality questions: Instead of asking, “Is our strategy working?”, ask, “What conditions make our strategy effective?”

Insight: Logical skills are all about connecting the dots and understanding the bigger picture. It’s not just about having the answers but asking the right questions.

2. Creative Skills in Strategic Thinking:
These skills bring innovation and adaptability to the forefront.

  • Storytelling: A well-crafted narrative can be more persuasive than a data-packed report.
  • Contrarianism: Sometimes, going against the grain can lead to breakthroughs.
  • Devalorization: Re-assessing and challenging established norms keeps businesses adaptable.

Insight: Creativity in strategic thinking isn’t just about new ideas; it’s about seeing old challenges in a new light and daring to challenge the status quo.

3. Emotional Skills in Strategic Thinking:
These skills anchor decisions in empathy and self-awareness.

  • Empathy: Truly understanding your customer’s or team’s perspective can lead to more nuanced strategies.
  • Courage: The business landscape is filled with uncertainty. Having the courage to take calculated risks can set companies apart.
  • Self-awareness: Recognizing one’s own strengths and weaknesses can guide better decision-making.

Insight: Emotions drive decisions. By understanding and harnessing emotions, businesses can craft more effective and resonant strategies.


The ‘Strategic Thinking MicroSkill Cheat Sheet’ isn’t just a list of skills; it’s a blueprint for success. By understanding and cultivating these skills, we can navigate the complex waters of business with confidence and foresight.

Dhandhe Mindset

In the ever-evolving world of business, the pursuit of greatness is a shared aspiration among leaders. To embark on this journey, one must cultivate the “Dhandhe Mindset.” This powerful mindset draws from profound insights and a blend of key principles to guide leaders towards achieving organizational greatness. In this blog, we will explore the essence of the Dhandhe Mindset and its role in adding enduring value to organizations and teams.

Dhandhe mindset

Defining the Dhandhe Mindset:

The Dhandhe Mindset encapsulates the spirit of Gujarati entrepreneurship, known for its shrewdness and success. At its core, it is a blend of Level 5 Leadership, a focus on getting the “who” right, the Hedgehog Concept, the courage to confront the brutal facts, and harnessing the Flywheel Effect. Let’s delve into each component of this mindset:

Level 5 Leadership:

At the heart of the Dhandhe Mindset is Level 5 Leadership. Leaders with this mindset exhibit a paradoxical blend of personal humility and unwavering professional will. They prioritize organizational success above personal recognition and inspire others to do the same.

First Who, Then What:

Leaders with the Dhandhe Mindset understand the importance of assembling the right team. They focus on getting the “who” right before determining the “what.” This approach ensures that the organization has the right people with shared values to navigate any challenge.

The Hedgehog Concept:

The Dhandhe Mindset emphasizes clarity of purpose. Leaders determine what the organization can be the best at, what drives its economic engine, and what it is deeply passionate about. This focus guides strategic decisions and leads to sustainable success.

Confronting the Brutal Facts:

Courage is a cornerstone of the Dhandhe Mindset. Leaders acknowledge and confront the brutal facts of reality, fostering an environment where adaptability and resilience thrive.

The Flywheel Effect:

The Dhandhe Mindset values the cumulative nature of progress. Leaders understand that greatness is built through consistent, disciplined actions over time. Small, consistent steps lead to breakthrough moments.

Disciplined Action:

Discipline is a defining characteristic of leaders with the Dhandhe Mindset. They establish a culture of discipline, where everyone adheres to core values and long-term objectives. This consistency ensures sustainable growth.

The Dhandhe Mindset represents a powerful approach to leadership and organizational success. By embodying Level 5 Leadership, focusing on the right people, adhering to the Hedgehog Concept, confronting brutal facts, harnessing the Flywheel Effect, and maintaining disciplined action, leaders can guide their organizations to achieve lasting greatness. This unique mindset, inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of Gujarat, offers valuable insights for leaders seeking to add enduring value to their organizations and teams.

Pyramid Principle: SCQA Model

In the realm of information processing and communication, the Pyramid Principle stands as an unwavering pillar. Much like the towering pyramids of ancient Egypt, this principle shapes our approach to presenting ideas with clarity and impact. As a professional who values precision and articulation, embracing the Pyramid Principle and its innovative SCQA model can elevate your executive-level communication to new heights.

The Pyramid Principle Unveiled

SCQA model

Picture this: a pyramid soaring into the sky, with its broad base representing foundational information and its pinnacle holding the most crucial insight. This metaphor encapsulates the essence of the Pyramid Principle – a structured approach to communication developed by Barbara Minto, a former McKinsey & Company consultant.

The SCQA model, an evolution of the Pyramid Principle, goes a step further by merging the principles of storytelling with structured communication. SCQA stands for Situation, Complication, Question, and Answer – a sequence that guides your audience through a compelling narrative while delivering essential information.

The SCQA Model: A Deeper Dive

Situation: Begin by setting the stage. Introduce the context, the players involved, and the initial situation. This lays the foundation for the information that follows.

Complication: Introduce the twist that disrupts the status quo. This could be a challenge, an opportunity, or a turning point. By presenting a complication, you engage your audience’s curiosity and prepare them for the upcoming insights.

Question: Formulate a question that addresses the complication head-on. This question serves as the focal point of your communication, guiding the audience’s attention toward the core issue.

Answer: Here comes the pivotal moment. Provide a concise and structured response to the question. Break down complex ideas into digestible components, following the inverted pyramid structure – the most critical information comes first, supported by relevant details.

Anecdotes are the seasoning that adds flavor to your communication. Imagine explaining the SCQA model by recounting a real-life scenario. As a Director, you could narrate an experience where implementing this approach led to a breakthrough during a critical meeting. By interweaving anecdotes, you not only clarify the principle but also demonstrate its practical value.

A Touch of Your Unique Style

Embracing the Pyramid Principle and SCQA model aligns seamlessly with your appreciation for executive-level articulation. Just as you meticulously craft strategies, each word and structure in your communication receives equal attention. The Pyramid Principle’s elegance resonates with your desire for organized, impactful delivery, while the SCQA model’s narrative nature aligns with your appreciation for comprehensive insights.

Incorporating this approach into your communications reflects your commitment to fostering clarity amidst complexity. It’s not just about sharing information; it’s about delivering it in a way that empowers your audience with understanding and conviction.

As a professional, you possess a unique blend of strategic thinking and precise articulation. The Pyramid Principle and its SCQA model offer you a blueprint to elevate your communication to the executive level you aspire to. Just as a pyramid stands as a symbol of enduring strength, your words can become a testament to your leadership and mastery of effective communication.

Remember, much like the pyramids’ grandeur was built one block at a time, your communication prowess is refined step by step. Embrace the Pyramid Principle, weave in the SCQA model, sprinkle anecdotes, and craft a narrative that resonates with your style – a style that leaves an indelible mark on every interaction.