Successful business outcomes are built on preformulated strategies. Business leaders and entrepreneurs rely on frameworks for strategic thinking for enduring viability.
The Concise Oxford English Dictionary defines strategic as “forming part of a long-term plan or aim to achieve a specific purpose.” It is often contrasted with tactical, which has a short-term focus. The management functions of a business include Planning, Leading, Organizing, and Controlling—otherwise known as PLOC functions. While definitional attributes of functionality may evolve, the long-term focus of business strategy remains unchanged.
Strategizing is a learned art; it requires a broad perspective that extends well into the future. Business strategy stems from the company’s vision and mission statement. It acts as an overarching roadmap, with clear directives on achieving long-term objectives. Any strategic plan implemented by leadership or management must meet specific requirements, including a measurable goal within a specified timeframe.
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Examples of Strategic Goals

Many examples abound, such as:
- Company ABC aims to increase profitability in its computer chip division by 15% within 12 months.
- Robotrack seeks to become a market leader by capturing 17% of the AI content generation market within three years.
- EcoFusion Inc. plans to reduce its carbon footprint by 25% across all operations within five years to align with global sustainability goals.
Developing Strategic Excellence
In all instances, it is clear that tremendous thought goes into planning company strategy. It is not some lackadaisical endeavor conjured up on a moment’s notice. Strategic thinking for business success is a multidisciplinary set of skills. It assesses microeconomic and macroeconomic variables, extrapolates long-term trends, forecasts the actions of competitors, explores complementary and substitute products and services, and assesses the potential paradigm shifts by implementing new technologies, innovations, geopolitical shocks, and other eventualities. It takes time to hone the art of strategic thinking.

Fortunately, this deliberate, long-term approach to planning relies heavily on various tools, resources, and accouterments. Many business leaders are voracious readers. They devour business management textbooks, strategic leadership manuals, and deep-thought strategizing texts. While the theoretical elements certainly bode well for seasoning the strategic mind, the practical application is truly transformative. Many business leaders often reference a strategy game that has helped them become better strategic planners.
The Importance of Testing Strategies
For management experts and strategic planners, the gaming world per se is nothing more than a sandbox for testing different tactics (short-term – operational plans) and strategic plans (long-term objectives). We see evidence of this in many highly ranked strategy games worldwide, with players required to anticipate future outcomes based on current realities. Both sides are presented with the same pieces, abilities, and moves in chess. But it’s the mental process of the better strategist that will win the game, time and game.
In more complex gaming environments, like simulator games, fighter pilot training is tough, with multiple uncontrollable variables going into the equation to test fortitude, prowess, and ability to function under significant stress. The same is true of difficult underwater training exercises for NASA astronauts, Seal Teams, Delta Force, Green Berets, or US Marines. The point is, that hands-on training with uncontrollable variables thrown into the equation makes for better strategic thinkers.
Navigating Unpredictability Through Strategic Thinking
Despite a rather structured environment with departments, managers, and various seemingly predictable business functions, businesses operate in open-ended systems. The economy is heavily unpredictable at the best of times, and only the strong survive the long haul. That’s why businesses must develop strategic thinking for their sustainability, viability, and profitability.
Strategic thinking is a skill built through practice and planning. Like pilots using simulators or military teams training under pressure, business leaders need tools to test their strategies. Strategy games offer a way to sharpen decision-making in dynamic, controlled settings. These scenarios mimic real-world challenges, helping leaders prepare for unpredictability. Strategic excellence comes from continuous learning and adaptation. The payoff is long-term success and resilience in an ever-changing business landscape.
Most importantly, strategic thinking skills can be developed for business success. It’s not something that an individual is necessarily born with and cannot acquire through the practical application of theoretical knowledge. It’s an ongoing process that relies heavily on real-world, dynamics, experience, business savvy, and an all-encompassing view of the economic realities facing the company.