Key details
Mode of delivery: Online Course
Course code: SM15AO
Duration: 5 days
Fee: £3,716.00 + VAT
CPD Hours: 30
Course Overview
This one-week programme provides a focused foundation in strategic thinking, analysis, and design for leaders and managers involved in shaping strategy within their organisations. It supports participants in stepping back from daily operations to clarify direction, frame strategic choices, and build plans that are grounded, realistic, and future-fit. Participants begin by assessing their organisational context — understanding internal constraints, external pressures, and key strategic issues. From there, they explore how to apply structured thinking tools to manage complexity, test assumptions, and prioritise with intent. The course introduces a practical, end-to-end strategy design process, while also addressing the cultural, stakeholder, and sustainability factors that affect strategic clarity and alignment. Throughout the week, participants engage with a series of frameworks and peer discussions to help apply new thinking to live challenges. By the end of the programme, they will have a clearer view of where their organisation stands, a sharper understanding of how to shape direction, and a practical approach to building alignment around strategic priorities. This is a practical, applied course for leaders seeking to strengthen their strategic competence and increase their impact in complex organisational environments.
Agenda
Day – 1 Strategic Environment and Organisational Context Analysis
- Map internal capabilities, constraints, and cultural factors affecting strategy.
- Analyse external risks, and long-term trends.
- Prioritise strategic issues.
Day – 2 Mental Models and Systems Thinking Application
- Apply mental models and systems thinking to frame complex problems.
- Identify strategic assumptions, blind spots, and interdependencies.
- Use scenario logic and structured challenge to stress-test early direction.
Day – 3 Strategic Priorities and Plan Definition Development
- Break down strategic direction into actionable priorities and initiatives.
- Sequence decisions and resource flows to manage interdependencies.
- Integrate ESG and sustainability into long-term value creation.
Day – 4 Stakeholder Influence and Strategic Framing Design
- Map key stakeholders, internal influencers, and decision-makers.
- Frame strategy in ways that resonate across roles and interests.
- Design engagement approaches that build alignment and ownership.
Day – 5 Course Review
- Summary and recap of key learning objectives
- -Action Planning
Post-Course
- Three (3) x hour-long Executive Coaching sessions at monthly intervals following Course Completion
Target Audience
This course is suitable for a wide range of leaders and managers but will be of real value to:
- Senior Executives and CEOs
- Strategic Planners and Analysts
- Department Heads and Managers
- Project Managers and Team Leaders
- Change Management Professionals
- Organisational Development Specialists
- Human Resources Leaders
- Business Consultants and Advisors
- Risk Management Professionals
- Innovation and Sustainability Officers
- Operational Excellence Managers
- Corporate Trainers and Coaches
- Policy Makers and Government Officials
- Academics and Researchers in Business Strategy
- Entrepreneurs and Start-up Founders
- Non-profit Executives and Leaders
- Finance and Accounting Professionals
- Supply Chain and Logistics Managers
- IT and Technology Leaders
- Marketing and Communications Managers
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to implement a successful strategy that enables you to:
- Assess internal organisational dynamics—including capabilities, constraints, and culture—to inform and shape viable strategic options.
- Identify and interpret external risks and emerging trends to anticipate future challenges and opportunities for strategic positioning.
- Evaluate and prioritize strategic issues based on their impact, urgency, and alignment with long-term objectives.
- Use systems thinking and mental models to understand complexity, reveal interdependencies, and avoid linear problem-solving traps.
- Uncover and critically challenge hidden assumptions and blind spots, and map interdependencies that influence strategic outcomes.
- Apply scenario planning and structured challenge techniques to test the robustness of strategic direction under uncertainty.
- Translate high-level strategic goals into clear, actionable initiatives with defined priorities and success criteria.
- Plan and sequence key decisions and resource allocations to effectively manage interdependencies across initiatives.
- Embed ESG and sustainability considerations into strategic planning to drive long-term, responsible value creation.
- Identify and map key stakeholders and internal influencers to navigate decision-making dynamics and build strategic support.
- Communicate strategy in tailored, compelling ways that align with the values and interests of diverse audiences.
- Design inclusive engagement approaches that foster alignment, commitment, and shared ownership of strategic direction.
