Let's get right to it!
People are afraid to make mistakes because of punishment and retributions. Therefore, their ability to think out of the box as well as their willingness to accept greater responsibility is severely curtailed.
What does that have to do with Strategic Thinking? The answer is everything. Strategic thinking, by definition, deals with the future, which has not yet happened! Thinking about the future requires versatility, open mindedness and order where mistakes are a natural part of the Learning Curve.
For an organization to be strategically oriented there needs to be a new way of thinking which is positive inclined rather then dogmatic.
Often I encounter situations where organizations want to think strategically but don't understand the connection between human qualities, the atmosphere in the work place and strategic thinking.
The first step to be taken is to alter the company spirit to allow space for making mistakes, encouraging new efforts and engendering an atmosphere of positivism and inter-support. This does require outside help and training for as it has been said: 'The heart of the matter can only be seen from afar' and only an outsider can be objective to be able to diagnose and solve the problems.
Old and tired western paradigm of mistakes: mistakes are bad; they ought to be avoided at all cost as they carry punishment and negative retribution. Never admit to mistakes for if you do you show weakness.
New, sensible humane paradigm of mistakes: mistakes are a learning tool that are inevitable in an era of change and advancement, and need to be encouraged by the leadership of the organization. Admission to mistakes is sign of strength.
There are of course different kinds of mistakes that require different handling methodology but let's first cross the huge hurdle of fear and punishment, which are obsolete tools of control!
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