Abstract: Becoming an effective strategic thinker requires developing specific cognitive skills and mental habits. Academic research identifies three key competencies of strategic thinking: systems thinking to understand interconnections, lateral thinking to challenge assumptions and generate novel ideas, and focused foresight to anticipate future trends. Cultivating a strategic mindset also involves embracing curiosity and lifelong learning, prioritizing divergent thinking, fostering tolerance for ambiguity, and maintaining a long-term orientation. Applying these principles in practice, organizations like Walmart and Kaiser Permanente have demonstrated how strategic thinking can drive competitive advantage through pivoting to new business models, leveraging data analytics, and taking a holistic, systems-level approach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices