The Art of Creative Strategy
Knowing When to Predict, Plan, and Pivot
Rik Wright
Managing Partner
When I tackle a complex problem, I like to think of it as a sphere—looking at it from every possible angle to find the best way forward.
Strategic thinking isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. It’s about knowing when to plan carefully when to pivot quickly, when to analyze deeply, and when to trust your instincts.
There’s no single "right" way to think strategically. Some situations call for structured planning, while others demand flexibility. Sometimes, it’s about predicting what’s next; other times, it’s about making the best decision with what’s in front of you right now. The key to great strategy is blending different approaches to fit the moment.
Let’s break down the different ways to approach strategic thinking—and how they can work together to drive better decisions.
The Many Ways to Think Strategically
Logical – A Step-by-Step Approach
Logical thinking is all about structure. It follows a clear, sequential path—one step leading predictably to the next. This approach works best in stable environments where cause-and-effect relationships are well understood. It provides clarity, making strategies easier to communicate and implement. But when things change quickly, a rigid step-by-step approach can slow you down.
Practical – Adapting on the Fly
Some problems can’t be solved with a fixed plan. Practical strategic thinking is all about real-world adaptability—making smart decisions based on what’s available in the moment. This approach thrives in fast-moving environments where quick action is essential. The trade-off? Focusing too much on immediate solutions can sometimes mean sacrificing long-term planning.
Systematic – Seeing the Bigger Picture
Systematic thinkers take a step back and look at how everything connects. They recognize that organizations are interconnected systems, where one decision can create ripple effects elsewhere. This approach helps identify risks and dependencies before making a move. The downside? It can be time-consuming and harder to manage when fast decisions are needed.
Contextual – Factoring in External Forces
Unlike internal-focused approaches, contextual thinking looks outward—considering market trends, economic shifts, regulations, and technological changes. It’s essential for industries where external forces can make or break a strategy. The challenge? Even with the best research, outside factors can still be unpredictable.
Critical – Challenging Assumptions
A critical thinker questions everything. They analyze data, challenge assumptions, and make sure decisions aren’t based on outdated ideas or biases. This approach is invaluable when conventional wisdom might lead to poor choices. But overanalyzing can slow things down—sometimes, decisions need to be made before all the data is in.
Predictive – Anticipating the Future
Predictive thinking looks ahead, using data and trends to forecast what’s coming next. This is a must-have approach in industries like finance, tech, and consumer markets. While predictive insights can provide a competitive edge, they’re never 100% accurate—over-relying on forecasts can sometimes lead to misplaced confidence.
Divergent – Exploring Multiple Possibilities
Divergent thinking is all about creativity and brainstorming—generating as many ideas as possible before narrowing them down. This approach fuels innovation and is great for industries that thrive on fresh thinking. The risk? Too many options can lead to analysis paralysis, delaying action while weighing possibilities.
Convergent – Finding the Best Solution
On the flip side, convergent thinking is about zeroing in on the best answer. It’s useful when there’s a clear, correct solution and a decision needs to be made quickly. But in complex situations, narrowing choices too soon can mean missing out on better alternatives.
A Blended Approach
Great strategic thinking isn’t just about mastering one approach—it’s about knowing which one to use at the right time. It’s a mix of art and science, structure and flexibility. Breaking down these different ways of thinking helps you build strategic agility—so you can navigate whatever challenges come your way.
By understanding and applying the right mindset for each situation, you’ll make smarter, more adaptable decisions that keep you ahead in a dynamic world.