You may be one of the thousands who think “Strategic Thinking” applies only to the “captains” of business. But consider human stages of life and how Strategic Thinking is used at the most rudimentary level.

First weeks after birth: your Strategic Thinking is getting others to give you food, comfort, or just attention.

A Toddler’s version of Strategic Thinking is learning how to survive and explore the world of people three times larger than he or she; getting across the room to grab that enticing lamp, cup of liquid, cookie, toy and then understanding how that toy or world works.

In Kindergarten, Strategic Thinking might be just coloring within the lines of a picture, or cutting shapes neatly along the borders.

To Elementary school students, Strategic Thinking might be mastering the times tables or memorizing all 50 states.

Strategic Thinking in Junior High may be getting down a hallway without being hassled or helping a friend to win student body president seat.

A high school senior’s Strategic Thinking involves the big question – what to do with your life; college, military, or job?

For most, Strategic Thinking during the 20’s means taking those important steps to accomplishing goals that will ensure a satisfying future.

In the years of 30’s or 40’s, Strategic Thinking may mean searching for the best methods to use resources efficiently or new technology that will increase business opportunities. Outside the profession life, it may mean finding a good area to raise children or paying your mortgage on a tight budget.

During the 50’s and 60’s, retirement is the big question. Do you continue working, do charitable work, or relax on a beach in Florida? Strategic Thinking involves setting new goals to meet the new needs retirement will bring.

So why do we need to learn Strategic Thinking if we do it every day?

Consider: everyone knows how to run. But, can just anyone win the Boston Marathon or an Olympic 400 Meter Relay? NO! It requires training – knowing individual strengths and weaknesses, when to sprint or slow down, the best ways to conserve energy, and increase endurance. To be victorious with important decisions also requires training – knowing your strengths and weaknesses, when to be proactive or when to wait, and how to increase resilience and endurance. The Center for Management and Organization Effectiveness shows you how to take Strategic Thinking to this higher level, giving you tools to help you prepare for the opportunities and challenges that are yet to be.