The 4 Types of Thinking Leaders Need to Practice

Great leaders don’t just think better—they think differently, depending on the challenge at hand.

If you want to solve the right problems—and solve them in unexpected, high-impact ways— you need to master four distinct types of thinking, according to a recent article in Harvard Business Review.

✴️ Expert Thinking
When speed and precision matter most. Use it when experience offers clear answers.

✴️ Critical Thinking
When easy answers fall short. Pause. Question. Reframe. Use it to challenge assumptions and avoid solving the wrong problem.

✴️ Strategic Thinking
When the stakes are high and the future is uncertain. Use it to imagine possibilities beyond the status quo.

✴️ Systems Thinking
When everything is connected. Step back. Map the system. Use it to see the ripple effects before you act.

These aren’t just buzzwords. They’re distinct tools for different kinds of leadership challenges.

This directly points to the relevance of our recently developed Big 5 of Strategy © competency framework—covering the five core competencies leaders need to survive and thrive in today’s world in flux.

These competencies go beyond just thinking—and include execution and adaptation. And they are not just for leaders—they are for everyone in an organization.

We’re currently accepting a select number of early adopters and pioneers who want to explore the Big 5 in their teams or organizations. We currently focus on large organizations. DM me or send me an email if your organization wants to be one of them.