An Introduction to Strategic Thinking

Applying strategic thinking in day-to-day public sector work

Contact us to book this course

Capability Building at The PSC

capabilities@thepsc.co.uk
020 3965 2033

2 days, in-person or virtual

An Introduction to Strategic Thinking is for staff from operational backgrounds who need to apply a strategic mindset to their role. The course supports participants to:

Assess complex/challenging environments and adapt strategic thinking appropriately
Use conceptual frameworks to help define strategic, operational, or policy problems and options swiftly and in clear and simple terms
Use conceptual frameworks to think in a structured way, using appropriate tools to present arguments persuasively
Synthesise clear and simple insight for senior decision makers and stakeholders, and build confidence in communicating, influencing and collaborating with those audiences

Over two days, the course introduces a toolkit for strategic thinking, problem solving, planning and change management.

Participants develop skills in:

Understanding the strategic context of challenging environments
Articulating a strategic issue using 'SCQA'
Defining a problem
Breaking down & structuring a problem
Developing hypotheses
Planning their work
Appraising options
Engaging & influencing stakeholders
Communicating with purpose

"The course is very relevant to our policy making work. The tools will be an especially useful way to bring the course content into my work."

—
Peter Tuhumwire, Hydrogen Transport Policy Lead, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

"Very helpful tools and engaging instructors; fellow participants were colleagues who I work closely with on a day to day basis which allowed for the exercises to be tangibly applied to shared problems we are facing. "

—
Jamie Freeman, Hydrogen Demand Strategy Lead, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

"The course was well laid out with easy to read material. Lucy our course tutor was very knowledgeable, giving clear explanations and providing great examples."

—
Bev Green, Learning & Development Design and Project Manager, HMRC

"I thought the course was really well structured and easy to engage with, providing very useful techniques and tools which will definitely help me to navigate and overcome problems and challenges both in and outside of work in the future."

—
Will Saywell, Team Leader, HMRC

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