Strategic thinking is a MINDSET or way of thinking about a business or organization. It can be distinguished by non-strategic thinking by several characteristics:

★Focuses on long term rather than short term

★Involves systems thinking, and focusing on the big picture, NOT just the small one

★Focuses on identifying leverage (how can we use what we have to maximum advantage)

★Is both analytical and creative processes

★Involves examining assumptions, "the way things have been done around here" and a critical approach that questions what we believe.

★Takes into account that our thinking is going to be partly based on inaccurate information and/or conclusions, and treats any conclusions as tentative or hypotheses.