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JIMINY SELF-HELP HANDBOOK 20

A backup plan is not a precursor for failure. The reason why there is a “plan B” is because, strategically
when designing “plan A” some anticipation had place predicting what could go wrong. Having other
plans means that the “show can go on”. It is not a preparation to fail, but instead a recipe to succeed.

With solid backup plans, we gain peace of mind. Nothing in life goes smoothly, but planning for the
most common breaking points can help navigate difficult times without straying from the overarching
goals. Strategic planning helps us to be more adaptive and overcoming obstacles, keeping plans on
track by revising plan As into even better plans Bs or Cs.

STRATEGIC
PLANNING
PLAN A PLAN B PLAN C

STRATEGIC
THINKER

For an effective strategic planning is needed to be a strategic thinker. A strategic thinker has the ability
to see ahead, identify the consequence of own decisions and point the way to move on. Paloma
Cantero-Gomez wrote an article in Forbes magazine in 2019, identifying seven critical skills of
successful strategic thinkers:

1. Vision - strategic thinkers often are able to create a very clear visioning process
2. Framework - strategic thinkers recognise that vision should be embedded within a framework.
They set the objectives and develop an action plan with separate goals into measurable tasks
3. Perceptiveness - good strategic thinkers understand things from multiple perspectives. They have
the ability to listen, hear, and perceive the world beyond the obvious
4. Assertiveness - strategic thinkers defend their points of view without disparaging others,
persuading without forcing, and are easily followed
5. Flexibility - strategic thinkers have the habit to seek advice from others, are humble enough to be
open to other’s ideas, and flexible enough to shape their ideas and framework to achieve the
desired vision
6. Emotional balance - strategic thinkers can balance their emotions in such a way that always favours
the achievement of ultimate goals
7. Patience - strategic thinkers know that achievement is often a long-term process
These skills, if combined with personal or professional interests, can be also considered strengths,
inner forces that drive us ahead. At the heart of strategic thinking is the ability to anticipate major
shifts in the marketplace and identify emerging opportunities.

Connecting our skills, interests and strengths to our dreams might seem easier on the personal level
than in the professional plan. But as in personal life, also market opportunities are volatile and the key
is to judge them carefully and then apply strategic planning principles to address each one. And in this
process, maximising our strengths and putting them on the service of our entrepreneurial mindset is a
way to turn or dreams a reality.