Coffee Corner: The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking

I have met Michael Watkins’ work in 2005 when I was tasked with designing a new onboarding plan for my organisation at the time. Those were the times - I was still too young to attempt to appear older by wearing "clearly-not-necessary" glasses.

I read his first book "The First 90 days" in no time and was very impressed by it. I began talking about it and recommending it to my team members to the extent that they got bored of me.

But then, my luck peaked when I got trained by him during one of the programs he was leading at IMD.

Think about the times where digital learning was still considered only as e-learning and there are no youtube videos, podcasts, zoom meetings, etc. Your options are mainly books, articles and conferences. Feeling old yet?

So to me it felt like that Michael got suddenly 3D!

Since then, Michael has been a mentor, advisor, and role model for me, perhaps more than he realizes.

I wanted to share this post to inform you that Michael has now released a new book. This time, he delves into the million dollar question of what strategic thinking is.

Michael has a clear and straightforward writing style, which breaks down complex ideas into easily digestible portions. The book covers a broad array of disciplines under six categories, including pattern recognition, systems analysis, mental agility, structured problem-solving, envisioning, and political savvy.

Honestly, during the reading, I was thinking I was not doing too bad in most areas until the final discipline: political savvy. Michael Watkins perhaps you saved it as a last chapter for a reason?

Oh well, no doubt, I recommend reading the book, although for those familiar with his work, this suggestion is extremely unnecessary. His reputation precedes him.

Consider this message a friendly announcement that he has done it again and a gentle reminder to pack it before your summer vacations.