Purpose and Impact

Aware or not, leaders regularly make decisions on behalf of their organizations; where to commit resources, when to take action, and how to set precedents. Good decision-making requires analyzing complex opportunities and problems, considering alternative points of view, and formulating well-reasoned arguments.

Strategic Thinking teaches individuals how–and when–to use, interpret, and evaluate evidence, assess opportunities, identify critical issues, and articulate practical courses of action. Participants examine intuitive decision-making processes and discover common decision traps or failures of reasoning that impact decision quality. These include biases, mental short-cuts, and short-term thinking.

Throughout this program, you will hone your strategic thinking abilities when facing hard decisions. You will gain awareness about practical approaches to individual and group decision-making and improve your ability to make sound choices that position your organization for success.

Participant Profile

Strategic Thinking is designed for emerging and experienced leaders across all levels, functions, and departments in any organization – those responsible for essential decisions, and anyone seeking to increase their decision readiness and confidence to drive strategic action. Participants commonly include individuals in Director, VP, and C-suite roles.

Learning Outcomes

Interpreting inputs for decision-making

• Discern noise vs. signal to manage inputs and structure decisions in complex environments.
• Evaluate evidence and predict potential issues with your proof and process.
• Collect and use data for decision-making.

Navigating the decision process

• Recognize and avoid decision traps, emotions, and failures of reasoning.
• Practice System 1 and System 2 thinking, situational assessment, information-seeking, and mindfulness.
• Balance competing loyalties between group members and external shareholders.
• Align multiple, often competing interests to build consensus and enhance decision quality.

Thinking and plan strategically

• Make trade-offs and plan for the future in complex, uncertain circumstances.
• Mitigate over-optimism in project planning and prediction.
• Link scenario planning and strategic thinking. Use reference-class or similarity-based forecasting.
• Examine probabilities and present impact choices — model strategic foresight in the context of your organization.

The total learning time commitment for this program is 18 hours between live sessions and interactive self-paced modules.

Return on Investment

Fees

$3,990 CAD

The program fee covers all materials. Program fees are tax-exempt.

Applications must be submitted no later than 14 days before the start of the program.

FAQs

How are online programs delivered?

Online programs are delivered through a blend of live interactive virtual sessions with Ivey faculty facilitators and self-paced learning modules. Each module guides you through videos, cases, and exercises that help you prepare for and reflect on your learning. You’ll then participate in a live online class to discuss and apply your new knowledge with peers and faculty. All components of virtual programs are required for participants.

What funding resources are available?

Organizations and participants in Canada may benefit from the Canada Job Grant or the Canada Training Credit to offset a portion of program fees. Visit our Funding Resources page to learn more.

Can I reserve a spot in the program?

Seats in programs may be reserved for a limited time pending availability. Contact a program advisor to request a reservation. A program application must then be confirmed within 15 business days, and no less than 30 days before the program start date.