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    Leading Your Organization into the Future

    The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking

    International bestselling author of The First 90 Days Michael D. Watkins presents an actionable new framework to help aspiring leaders learn to think strategically—a set of skills more necessary than ever in a world of constant change.

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    The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking

    Strategic Thinking Assessment

    Developed by Michael Watkins, author of The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking, this assessment gauges your strategic thinking abilities. 

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    Take this 5 minute assessment to assess your understanding of the six disciplines of strategic thinking.

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    Praise for The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking

    “Whether you’re just embarking on your career path, driving initiatives on your team, or leading a multinational enterprise, this insightful book is an essential roadmap for your journey toward strategic thinking, planning, and executing with excellence. It provides practical tools and techniques for strategic thought leadership and decision-making.”

    — Cristal Downing,   EVP & Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer, Merck & Co.

    "In today's turbulent times, strategic thinking is more important than ever. The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking offers an essential blueprint for leading your organization into an uncertain future. In it, Michael Watkins challenges the idea that strategic thinking is just art, providing the fundamental principles and tools that drive success. Dive into his outstanding guide and become the best strategic thinker you can be."

    — Darius Adamczyk, Executive Chairman, Honeywell

    “More than ever, business leaders must be strong strategic thinkers. In The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking, Michael Watkins defines what strategic thinking is and why it’s so important. He shows it’s a skill that can be developed and provides a roadmap for enhancing it through the right mix of on-the-job experience and mental exercise. Every aspiring executive can benefit from his insights.”

    — Jean-Francois Manzoni, President,   The International Institute for Management Development (IMD)

    “Professor Watkins successfully breaks down a previously elusive leadership concept by presenting it in a tangible and pragmatic manner. His book empowers readers not only to recognize these attributes in others but also to identify their presence in our own approach.”

    — Edilson Camara,  Egon Zehnder

    Dr. Michael D. Watkins

    Michael Waktins

    Michael D. Watkins is a professor of leadership at the IMD Business School and a cofounder of Genesis Advisers. In 2023, he was inducted into the Thinkers50 Hall of Fame in recognition of his decades of contributions to management and leadership. Originally from Canada, Michael studied electrical engineering at the University of Waterloo and completed his PhD in decision sciences at Harvard University. Prior to IMD, he was a professor at the Harvard Kennedy School and the Harvard Business School. Michael’s international bestseller The First 90 Days has been called “the onboarding bible” by the Economist and was included in Amazon’s “100 Leadership and Success Books to Read in a Lifetime.” With more than 1.5 million copies sold in English and translations in 21 languages, it is the classic reference for leaders in transition. He is also the author or coauthor of dozens of articles in the Harvard Business Review and the MIT Sloan Management Review. In addition to his research and writing, Michael coaches C-level executives taking new roles, supports executive team development, and consults extensively on organizational transformation.

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