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I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E : You r Voice in Gover nment / Dig g in g H is to ry / T h e Tro u b le w it h Bu s in e ss BOOK REVIEW

NEWS REEL

Think Strategically Theory and practice, combined with actionable steps can help anyone become a better strategic thinker.

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Leighton Interactive was founded in 2009 in response to a growing number of Leighton Broadcasting

Reviewed by Dr. Fred Hill

trategic thinking is an individual’s capacity for, and practice of, using cognition to identify and organize factors that increase the probability of success in the future. Author Greg Githens in his recent book, How to Think Strategically provides readers with a step by step process to help readers become more competent strategic thinkers. Using well-researched content, Githens offers in-depth case studies, along with charts and tables to help explain his strategic principles. Githens writes, “A proficient automobile driver uses microskills such as accelerating, braking, changing lanes, turning, passing, and parking. Similarly, strategic thinking is a macro ability composed of several distinctive, developable micro skills.” Chapter 4, Twelve Microskills of Strategic Thinking, teaches that microskills are

Leighton Interactive rebrands as Vye

the key feature of this book. These microskills are curiosity, pragmatism, ambition, sharpness, analogous reasoning, storytelling, open mental stance, skepticism, reflection, empathy, personal resilience, and conceptual mapping. Chapter 4 (pp 59 – 78) alone, is worth the cost of the book. There are two parts and 13 chapters to this work. Part I: The Nature, Purpose, and Scope of Strategic Thinking includes the following chapters: A Are you Strategic? B Cleverness C Big Ideas D Twelve Microskills of Strategic Thinking E Why Strategic Thinking is Rare F The Fuzzy Front End of Strategy G Pockets of the Future H Strategic Decisions I The Spark of Insight

J Perspective K Shoulder Angels L Dialogue and Deliberation M Being an Extra-ordinary Leader There are six noteworthy appendices, as well. They are: Appendix A: Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity. Appendix B: Microskills of Strategic Thinking. Appendix C: Manifesto for Strategic Thinking. Appendix D: Landmarks on the map of Strategic Thinking. Appendix E: Useful Terms. Appendix F: Personal Branding as a Strategic Thinker. Jeroen De Flander, bestselling author of Strategy Execution Heroes and The Execution Shortcut, says "Githens provides all the necessary tools and insight to help you become an influential thinker. A great read!” I completely agree!

In Part II: Personal and Interpersonal Mastery the chapters are:

Dr. Fred E. Hill is an emeritus

clients who sought to expand their radio advertising to include web and digital solutions. The word “interactive” was a fitting word for the market need and the solutions the company provided at the time. The name Vye originates from the word “vie,” which means “to compete eagerly in order to do or achieve something.” Vye’s team has grown to 24 members and their portfolio includes mainly B2B companies from 24 states.

St. Cloud Hospital recognized CentraCare – St. Cloud Hospital was ranked as one of the top hospitals in the nation for Cardiology & Heart surgery and Pulmonology & Lung surgery by the U.S. News & World Report.

Brenny Transportation named to top list Redefining the Road, the

professor at St. Cloud State University.

official magazine of the Women In Trucking Association named Brenny Transportation, owned by Joyce Brenny, to the 2020 “Top Woman-Owned Businesses” list.

How to Think Strategically: Sharpen Your Mind. Develop Your Competency. Contribute to Success,By Greg Githens, Maven House Press, Palmyra, VA , 2 01 9 • IS B N 9 78 19 3 8 548 9 0 1

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